Abstract An introduction to CD‐ROM technology sets the stage for an exploration of the use of CD‐ROMs in both the United States and other countries. Then, the main categories of CD‐ROMs and some of their instructional applications are discussed. Categories discussed include reference sources, utility tools for professionals, public access catalogues, directories, public domain and shareware, clip art, curriculum materials and multimedia materials. After this discussion, future trends in the use of the technology are examined.