   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.
