Information storage systems

An information storage apparatus comprises a one or more storage media (168), which include a plurality of information tracks. Each storage medium (168) has a head assembly (170) having a substantially planar surface and a plurality of read/write heads positioned in registry with said information tracks. The read/write heads are arranged substantially in the plane of the planar surface. The information storage medium (168) and the head assembly (170) are arranged in mutually sliding abutment such that the read/write heads are substantially in sliding contact with the outer surface of the information storage medium in use. In another aspect an information storage and retrieval apparatus comprises an information storage medium (168) comprising an information storage area, and an array (170) of information read and/or write heads. The information storage medium (168) and array of heads (170) are arranged to be oscillated with respect to each other in use such that each region of the information storage area is aligned with at least one of the read/write heads during the oscillation.