Recognizing that the fast-developing optical storage technologies provide a new dimension in publishing and information storage, retrieval, and distribution, this report examines the technical characteristics and capabilities of video and optical systems and the implications of this technology. The following aspects of optical disk systems are discussed: (1) the range of optical disk systems currently on the market or under development, including a functional classification of the different systems; (2) applications for optical disk systems in the publishing field; (3) applications for optical disk systems in the library and information field; and (4) issues relating to the use of optical disk systems where research could and is being profitably carried out in the publishing and library and information fields. References, a select bibliography, and a listing of journals, newsletters, and sources of further information are appended. (KM)