Recently developed optical disc technology offers economical, convenient, and durable storage of large quantities of data. Advanced data retrieval software allows rapid search optical discs. A number of commercial and government publishers produce optical disc databases offering enhanced direct access to data, text or large reference indexes. In library settings direct patron access to optical disc databases has proven popular. This paper examines issues a librarian or information manager should consider before and during implementation of public access optical disc databases. It documents results of a trial optical disc implementation at the Naval Postgraduate School's Dudley Knox Library and a product survey identifying candidate optical disc database products library use. Computer hardware options for distribution of information from optical discs are discussed. A strategy is presented for further implementation of optical disc databases in the Dudley Knox Library.
http://archive.org/details/applicationofopt1094530605
Commander, United States Navy
Approved for public release; distribution is unlimited.