CD-ROM Cataloging Systems: An Introduction

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The bibliographic utilities discussed in Part 1 of this issue provide timeshared access to large databases of cataloging records. Typically, the databases reside on computers that are located at the utilities' headquarters. Libraries equipped with appropriately configured workstations access the bibliographic utilities through telephone lines, the Internet, or other telecommunication arrangements. CD-ROM cataloging products, in contrast, provide databases of bibliographic records on compact discs. The CD-ROMs are distributed to customer sites for local processing by cataloging support software that operates on microcomputer-based workstations. The earliest CD-ROM cataloging products were introduced in the mid-1980s. Their characteristics and capabilities have been described and discussed in many journal articles, conference papers, and other publications. Examples include Bazillion (1987, 1987a), Beaumont (1986), Beiser (1986, 1988), Bills and Helgerson (1988), Brennan (1989), Burr (1988), Campbell (1987), Desmarais (1985, 1986, 1987), Farris (1987), Farris and …