CD-ROM; library of the future

This thesis examines the feasibility of using the compact disc-read only memory (CD-ROM) as the storage medium for the Department of Defense (DOD) construction contracting. Specifically, the DOD sponsored program, headed by the Naval Facilities Engineering Command (NAVFAC), called Construction Criteria Base (CCB) is evaluated. The program is composed of a compact disc containing government construction criteria including Army, Navy and NASA standards. The test platform used is the specification branch of NAVFAC and its Engineering Field Divisions. The CD-ROM used in conjunction with a microcomputer is compared to the standards libraries of the present which are comprised of paper, microfilm and microfiche storage media. The conclusion reached is that the use of the CD-ROM disc in the DOD construction arena is advisable. Keywords: Read only memories, Data storage systems, Laser disks, Optical storage. Theses. (edc)