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Current Cities Volume 01 Number 05
_Current_Cites_
Volume 1, no. 5
December 1990
Library Technology Watch Program
University of California, Berkeley
Edited by David F.W. Robison
ISSN: 1060-2356
Contributors:
Teri Rinne, Vivienne Roumani, Lisa Rowlison, Mark Takaro, Roy Tennant
Hyper- and Multimedia
Loveria, Greg and Don Kinstler "Multimedia: DVI Arrives." BYTE IBM
Special Edition 15(11) (Fall 1990):105-108. This article discusses
Digital Video-Interactive (DVI) technology, one of the keys to the
development of multimedia systems. Combining sources such as
audio CD-ROM and video disk images and using data compression
technologies, DVI is helping multimedia to become less unwieldy in
terms of hardware, and more versatile in its abilities to produce
both still and motion video images. Some interesting applications
are also mentioned.
Ray, Kenneth and James R. Driscoll "New Directions for
Microcomputer-based Hypertext Systems." Database 13(4) (August
1990):60-64. This article discusses hypertext within the context of
evolving ideas about information retrieval systems. Combining the
potential of hypertext with advanced information retrieval concepts
like natural language searching, the article describes using the
SPIRIT software program (developed by computational linguistic
researchers) to explore a database made up of the NASA Space
Shuttle reference manual. The co-evolution of searching techniques
and new information retrieval pathways like hypertext systems has
potential to greatly change the way that we approach information.
Optical Disc Technologies
Butcher, Karyle S. "CD-ROM Report: The rewards and trials of
networking." Database 13(4) (August 1990):103-105. This article
provides a detailed description of a CD-ROM network at Oregon State
University,featuring Meridian Data's CD Net product. Not only are
some of the technical aspects discussed, but the issue of site
licensing is also considered.
Harvey, David A. "Optical Storage Primer." BYTE IBM Special Edition
15(11) (Fall 1990):121-230. As the title suggests, this article
provides a basic overview of optical storage technology. The author
concludes thatwhile it is impossible to predict whether the optical
disk will replacemagnetic media, it is definitely finding its way
into a number of computers. As examples, he cites Tandy and
Headstart systems with CD-ROM drives as standard equipment and
IBM's CD-ROM package for its PS/2 line.
Rogers, Michael. "CD-ROM standardization proposed by government."
Library Journal 115(19) (November 1, 1990):67-68. This article
discusses CD-Rx a standard to facilitate interoperability of CD-ROm
databases among all operating systems, CD-ROM drives,
access/retrieval programs, and user interfaces, proposed by the
Information Handling Committee of the U.S. Intelligence Committee.
"State of the Art: Magnetic vs. Optical." BYTE 15(2) (November
1990):272-338. BYTE devotes an entire section of this issue to
what it deems one of the hottest debates in the computer industry:
will optical media replace magnetic media? Among the ten articles
comprising this section is David Harvey's "State of the Media," which
looks at the advantages and disadvantages of each technology and
explores the possibilities of hybrid technologies combining the good
points of each. Other articles discuss the newest optical
technologies on the horizon, including holographic data storage and
phase change, which merges the capacity of magneto-optical storage
with a performance better than that of traditional optical storage.
Networks and Networking
Cisler, Steve "An Essay on the Openness of the Networks, Electronic
Free Speech, and the Security of Computers." Online 14(6)(November
1990):101-104. One of the hot topics of networking is security and
privacy, as well as freedom of information. Cisler, of the Apple
Computer Library, brings up some of these issues. In addition, he
describes some of the pioneering work in these areas by Clifford
Stoll (author of "The Cuckoos Egg: Tracking a Spy Through the Maze
of Computer Espionage"), the developer of LOTUS 1-2- 3 (Mitch
Kapor), and others. Of note is the online discussion at the WELL-
Whole Earth 'Lectronic Link called the Electronic Frontier Foundation
(eff@well.sf.ca.us).
Library Perspectives on the NREN : the National Research and
Education Network / edited by Carol A. Parkhurst. Chicago : Library
and Information Technology Association, 1990. Although the
legislation to establish the NREN did not pass before Congress
adjourned, it should be back next session. In the meantime, libraries
and librarians can become a more integral part of the planning
process. This LITA monograph provides the background information.
Lynch, Clifford A. and Cecilia M. Preston "Internet Access to
Information Resources." Annual Review of Information Science and
Technology 25 (1990):263-312. This article provides a lengthy
description of the history of networked resources as well as the
situation today. Also included are a discussion of standards and
protocols and a compleat bibliography.
Raeder, Aggi W. and Karen L. Andrews "Searching Library Catalogs on
the Internet: a survey." Database Searcher 6(7)(September 1990):
16-31. This article describes the advantages and occasional
frustrations of logging on to remote library catalogs. There are also
ample instructions for doing so and a survey of accessible catalogs.
Expert Systems
Page, Mary. "Librarian Ex Machina 4.0." LITA Newsletter, 11(42) (Fall
1990):8-10. For those of us who missed it, this report summarizes
the papers delivered at the 1990 ALA LITA session titled: Librarian
Ex Machina 4.0: Planning for Expert Systems.
Penrose, Roger. The Emperor's New Mind. Oxford University Press,
1989. Within this book, two chapters are of particular interest.
Chapter 1: "Can a Computer have a Mind?" discusses what it would
mean to say that computers can think. Incorporated with this is a
necessary discussion of the major philosophical issues behind the
problem of computer 'intelligence.' Also, chapter 9: "Real Brains and
Model Brains" discusses the functional nature of real brains and
suggests a logical similarity to model (computer) brains. Some very
interesting connections between the two are given especially with
respect to the idea of "quantum computers." Read and be amazed.
Stern, David. "Artificial Intelligence Databases: A Survey and
Comparison." Database 13(4) (August 1990):19-24. Mr. Stern roots
out the most useful online databases for searching for AI material.
Among these are: INSPEC, SUPERTECH, COMPUSCIENCE, COMPENDEX. He
discusses availability of these databases (some are available via
DIALOG) as well as giving a relatively detailed description of each
database, including some hints on searching.
Information Transfer
Garcia, Linda. "Information Exchange: The Impact of Scholarly
Communication."EDUCOM Review 25(3) (Fall 1990):28-32. This
article raises issues concerning intellectual property rights and
reviews a study completed by the Office of Technology Assessment
(OTA) called "Intellectual Property Rights in an Age of Electronics
and Information." It suggests that the University environment in
particular should seriously consider these issues since the
University is the producer, user, and distributor of information. We
are left with the question of "what role do we want the University
to play in an information age?"
Hart, Michael S. "Project Gutenberg: Access to Electronic Texts."
Database 13(6) (December 1990):6-9. Through a particular project,
Gutenberg, designed to encourage the creation and distribution of
electronic texts, the author discusses the issues of access to
electronic texts, benefits, methods, and trends.
Sten, Mark. "Assessing Electronic Image Technology." Computers in
Libraries 10(9) (October 1990):37-39. Sten discusses the
capabilities, advantages and disadvantages of electronic imaging; he
raises questions regarding the viability of the paperless society, and
electronic imaging in general: are the benefits real or imaginary?
Welsch, Erwin K. "Microcomputers and Workstations in Libraries:
Trends and Opportunities." Computers in Libraries 10(9) (October
1990):9-14. Welsch attempts to define "workstation", he gives us a
little history and functions of the workstation, and asks humanists
in various institutions to contribute to the definition. In so doing he
touches on trends and implications of information access and
delivery.
General
Science and Technology Libraries 11(1)(Fall 1990). Issue devoted to
electronic information systems in sci-tech Libraries, but the issues
are relevant for all libraries. Includes such chapters as: "Electronic
Delivery of Information via a Campus-Wide Network," "Using the
Internet to Access CARL and other Electronic Information Systems,"
and "Re-Inventing the Library"(!)
Desmarais, Norman. "Computers 1, Intelligence 0: Is Automation
Making Us Lazy and Stupid?" Computers in Libraries 10(8) (Sept.
1990):43-45. I don't know, but I'm too lazy and stupid to care.
News Bits
Stephens, Mary "ANS Inc. Announcement." Protocol Newsletter 26
(November 1990):[p.3]. The formation of Advanced Network and
Services was announced by IBM and MCI in September. The two
giants are joining forces with others to create an advanced network
system that is intended to complement the NREN.
Meckler introduced two new periodicals on networks and networking:
Research & Education Networking, a monthly newsletter, and
Research Networking and Information Systems, a journal. Articles
in the first issue of the newsletter (October 1990) include an
interview with Paul Evan Peters, Director of the Coalition for
Networked Information.
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Current Cites 1(5)(1990) ISSN: 1060-2356
Copyright (C) 1992 by the Library, University of
California, Berkeley. All rights reserved.
Copying is permitted for noncommercial use by computerized
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material. All commercial use requires permission from the editor,
who may be reached in the following ways:
drobison@library.berkeley.edu // drobison@ucblibra // (510)642-7600
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