Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
■
Discussion Questions
1.
Although disks, tapes, and CDs will hold data for an indefi
nite length of time, retrieval of the data on these media re
quires functioning players. However, past generations have
stored music on phonograph records and on 8track tapes—
both of which were considered “permanent storage” in their
day—and now it can be difficult to find machines to handle
either of these technologies. Similarly, old computer disks
may have been 5
1
4
" in diameter, rather than the 3.5" that
have dominated the market in recent years. Also, within the
realm of computer tapes, technologies have evolved over
time, and some tapes from even just a few years ago may be
unreadable on modern tape drives.
a.
Consider what “permanent” storage of electronic docu
ments might mean in an environment where technology
changes every few years.
b.
With the cost of binding and storage of paperbased jour
nals, there is strong incentive for libraries to turn to elec
tronic formats for these works. However, libraries also
seek to maintain runs of journals indefinitely—over
decades and longer. Discuss issues of electronic storage for
“archival copies” of journals and other materials.
c.
If you have reasonable access to a librarian, ask her or
him how your library views electronic archives for
journals.
2.
Consider the situation in which an individual removes a file
and then, in a panic, decides she or he wants that information
back.
a. Might this retrieval be possible if the file was deleted (but
not erased)? Explain.
b. Might this retrieval be possible if the file was erased?
Explain.
c. If your answer to part a or b was “yes,” would retrieval be
possible in all cases or just in some cases? Explain.
