CD-ROM Storage: The use of "Compact Disk-Read Only Memory" (CD-ROM) for information storage represents a significant opportunity in the development of archival storage devices. Microcomputer based CD-ROM storage systems with removable cartridges that can accommodate approximately 600 megabytes (Mbytes) of digital data are currently available. To put this storage capacity into a more familiar perspective, these CD-ROM disks can accommodate a text content of about 240,000 printed pages, or the contents of 1700 standard (360K) floppy disks. Storage capacity is not the only attribute of the CD-ROM technology. An important requirement of information systems is that the stored data fields be rapidly and randomly accessible. Not only does CD-ROM meet these prerequisites, but the retrieval of information can be supported by a number of off-the-shelf, database management systems (DBMS) and/or full text searching systems. Another important attribute of CD-ROM for archival management is the fact that it is a "read-only" medium. This makes it appropriate for historical databases that represent an accumulation of unchanging culturally significant materials. However, since CD-ROM is a read-only medium, production of a "master" disk is required. In order to ensure an accurate replication of the data that is to be encoded on the CD-ROM, this mastering process is necessarily a relatively expensive, tedious process. Once the master disk is created, copies of the disk can be produced rapidly and cheaply, meaning that the technology is particularly appropriate for the dissemination of massive volumes of identical digital information to a broad user audience. In terms of current hardware and software costs, the fully configured CD-ROM based information systems are relatively inexpensive (under $5000.00). However, in addition to basic hardware costs, a substantial investment is required to assemble the archival data and produce the master CD-ROM disk. Optical Disk Storage Digital Video Interactive (DVI)