CD‐ROM interfaces: full‐text databases

Examines the growing, and diverse, full‐text CD‐ROM marketplace. Draws heavily on material from the 10th and 12th editions of TFPL′s CD‐ROM Directory. Uses various parameters to discover the extent of fragmentation within the full‐text CD‐ROM marketplace. Full‐text CD‐ROMs are designed for end‐users and as such need an easy‐to‐use interface. However, the extent of proliferation and diversification of retrieval software brings into question ease of use of CD‐ROM generally, and full‐text products specifically. In spite of the diversification and complexity, areas of expansion in the full‐text marketplace are identified. They are seen to be within the home and schools′ markets,and also within specific subject areas; notably law, business and commerce and news information. As the market matures it will be interesting to note which interfaces survive, and why.