Databases on optical discs and their potential in developing countries

Developing countries rely on up‐to‐date information from technologically advanced countries, such as the United States of America and the United Kingdom, especially in the areas of science and technology, as a means to providing help for their scientists in the transfer of technology and in research development. Optical disc technology may prove to be an alternate approach for the access of massive information storage and retrieval. This will provide an in‐house information retrieval system with access to millions of records now already made available on optical discs. This in‐house system will avoid cost associated with telecommunication tariffs and provide unlimited access. Major areas of information in which optical disc databases can help are discussed. © 1990 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.