this report provides experimental techniques for cd-rom labeling the naval air warfare center is currently involved in cd-rom development for the united states military. labeling techniques for government cd-rom discs require careful selection and design for the reasons outlined in this report. a cd-rom disc is manufactured by injecting or pressing a polycarbonate material with microscopic pits in one continuous spiral pattern. a reflective layer of aluminum or gold is then deposited over the polycarbonate. then a protective layer of material such as dic-17 is spun across the surface of the metal. and, finally, for product-type cd's, a label is 'print screened' onto the finished product. it was found that the quality of cd-rom discs vary greatly as to the producer's manufacturing process, top-coating protective material, and labeling techniques. ineffective seal coat material and it's application has been shown to be the 'weak link' in cd-rom longevity. disc failure has resulted from penetration of contaminants into the metalized reflective layer. some manufacturers metalize their discs to the edges thereby not providing a hermetic seal to the environment. improper silk screen and labeling inks can produce a migration effect into the metalized layer, thereby destroying the disk