The Special Interest Group on CD-ROM Applications & Technology (SIGCAT) Foundation The Special Interest Group on CD-ROM Applications & Technology (SIGCAT) Foundation is a user group devoted to the investigation of CD-ROM technology and its myriad applications, and provides a forum for the exchange of ideas, information and experiences on CD-ROM. SIGCAT meetings are held bimonthly at various locations on the east and west coasts, often at the U.S. Geological Survey National Center in Reston, Va. The meetings usually run all day and are open to the general public at no cost. A bimonthly newsletter ($40/year subscription) documents the meetings and reports on new CD-ROM developments in both the public and private sectors. The content of the meetings and the newsletter are aimed at providing the membership with updates on all aspects of CD-ROM and conveying the experiences of those both in and out of Government who are actually using the technology. SIGCAT was founded by E. J. (Jerry) McFaul in 1986. In 1991, SIGCAT became an organizational member of the Federation of Government Information Processing Councils (FGIPC). In 1993, SIGCAT become a non-profit foundation. As of June 1994, there are more than 7,000 members of SIGCAT in over 50 countries. SIGCAT has held three national conferences (SIGCAT '92 and SIGCAT '93). SIGCAT '94, co-sponsored by AFFIRM (Association For Federal Information Resource Management) and COAT (Council On Accessible Technology), was conducted at the Sheraton Premier Hotel in Tysons Corner, Virginia on April 25-28, 1994. SIGCAT also serves as an umbrella organization for a variety of specially-focused groups: SIGSOFT - Special Interest Group on Software Co-Chair: George Knapp - U. S. Geological Survey - 703/648-6823 Co-Chair: Denise Davis - University of Maryland - 301/405-9072 SIGSOFT constantly evaluates new search software that is applicable to CD-ROM applications. A matrix of software products and their various functional characteristics has been created and is available to SIGCAT members. SIGLIT - Special Interest Group on Library Information Technology Chair: Peggy Garvin - Library of Congress - 202/707-8999 One of the most promising application areas for CD-ROM is the library and information science environment. SIGLIT is very active in this arena and holds its own meetings in addition to the scheduled SIGCAT meetings. SIGACE - Special Interest Group for the Application of CD-ROM in Education Co-Chair: Sheldon Fisher - U. S. Dept. of Education - 202/219-1699 Co-Chair: Bill Johnson - Joint Education Initiative - 301/405-2324 SIGACE examines, reviews and demonstrates CD-ROM titles appropriate for use in training and education. SIGSTAND - Special Interest Group on Standards Chair: Mike Rubinfeld - National Institute of Standards & Technology - 301/975-3064 SIGSTAND tracks CD-ROM-related standards activities and provides SIGCAT members with updates as well as indepth information on developments in the CD-ROM standards arena. CDOWG - CD-ROM Data Origination Working Group Co-Chair: Maureen Prettyman - National Institutes of Health - 301/496-1936 Co-Chair: Francie Mendelsohn - International Data Corporation - 703/876-5047 CDOWG is a network for the people familiar with the use of in-house CD-ROM production workstations. CDOWG encourages sharing solutions, techniques and tips that are vital to the efficient operation of these systems. SIGCLASS - Special Interest Group on Classified Applications Chair: Duane Marquis - Department of Commerce - 202/482-1652 This working group serves as a focal point for agencies and organizations involved with the publication and distribution of classified information on CD-ROM. SIGGIS - Special Interest Group on GIS Chair: Dan Costanzo - Army Engineer Topographic Labs - 703/355-2825 SIGGIS explores the combination of CD-ROM and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technologies and serves as a focal point for information and applications. SIGTEAL - Special Interest Group To Expedite the Accommodation Law Co-Chair: Robert Jaquiss - Tektronix Corporation - 503/627-4444 Co-Chair: Tom Dennison - Dennison & Associates, Inc. - 703/379-2842 Co-Chair: Susan Brummel - General Services Adminstration - 202/501- 4906 As a network for industry, Government, and disability groups, SIGTEAL fosters an exchange of information on issues that will enhance the use of CD-ROM technology by the visually impaired, the deaf, and other physically disabled persons. SIGSGML - Special Interest Group on SGML Co-Chair: John Oster - Oster Associates, Inc. - 410/838-1908 Co-Chair: Walter Klaus - Defense Mapping Agency - 301/227-2470 SIGSGML focuses on the use of the Standard Generalized Mark-up Language (SGML - ISO 8879) to structure databases for optical delivery. SIGRIM - Special Interest Group on the Reliability & Integrity of Media Chair: Ron Kushnier - Naval Air Warfare Center - 215/441-1624 CD-RIM is investigating the establishment of an independent government testing facility for CD-ROM, and is concerned with developing standardized procedures for evaluating the longevity of CD-ROM. SIGCOMP - Special Interest Group on Compression Chair: Nick Beser - Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab - 301/953- 5000 x4476 SIGCOMP focuses on the technologies of data compression, particularly as applied to CD-ROM. SIGNET - Special Interest Group on Networking Co-Chair: Howard McQueen - CD Consultants - 410/243-2755 Co-Chair: Julie George - U.S. Geological Survey - 703/648-5381 SIGNET features activities relating to networking techniques and strategies for CD-ROM. SIGDRIVE- Special Interest Group on CD-ROM Drives Chair: Ken Rogers - Department of Commerce - 202/482-0434 SIGDRIVE provides a focal point for information about the latest CD-ROM drives available from the industry. SIGPODS - Special Interest Group on Portable Optical Disc Systems Co-Chair: Joan McKean - Department of Commerce - 202/606-4380 Co-Chair: Roger Hutchison - CD ROM, Inc. - 303/526-7600 SIGPODS is focused on the emerging technologies that combine portable computers (laptops, notebooks, hand held, etc.) with CD- ROM capability. SIGMULTEC - Special Interest Group on Multimedia Technology Co-Chair: Gabe Ofiesh - Institute for Technological Solutions - 703/243-4271 Co-Chair: Bob Ainsley - Defense Systems Management College - 703/805-2867 SIGMULTEC investigates the emerging hardware and software technologies associated with multimedia CD-ROM discs. Other SIGCAT Activities: The SIGCAT CD-ROM Compendium The SIGCAT CD-ROM Compendium was compiled by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Library and cooperation with SIGCAT. The purpose of the Compendium is to track and highlight CD-ROM products, both in process and completed, containing Government information. The criteria for inclusion is that the source data provider be a Federal, State, or other non-profit agency. The Compendium is issued by the Office of Electronic Information Dissemination Services (EIDS), Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office (GPO) in cooperation with SIGCAT. Copies cost $11.00 and can be obtained by calling (202) 783-3238 and asking for stock number 021-000-00158-9. For updates or additional information, call 202-512-1524 (voice) or fax 202-512-1262. The Compendium is also available electronically on the National Technical Information Service's (NTIS) FedWorld Bulletin Board System BBS at 703-321-8020. Via Internet, you can TELNET FEDWORLD.GOV. Download the self-extracting archive file "CDSEARCH.EXE" from the "MISC" file library. After you have executed CDSEARCH, execute "CDINSTAL.EXE" to install the compendium on your hard disk (requires approx. 2.5 M). The compendium runs under GSSEARCH, a full text search and retrieval program that has been used in the production of a variety of CD-ROMs. Other SIGCAT documents are also available in the "MISC" file library. SIGCAT Information Lines: 703/648-4452 or 703/435-5200 The first phone number provides an update on the upcoming SIGCAT events, including SIGCAT '94 and the bi-monthly SIGCAT meetings. The second number is a direct line to the SIGCAT Foundation headquarters in Reston, Virginia. You can use either number to register (at no cost) as a new SIGCAT member. Alternatively, you may write to: SIGCAT, P.O. Box 3706, Reston, VA 22090.