Abstract: A plurality of picture data storage/retrieval apparatuses are connected to each other through a communication line. Each picture data storage/retrieval apparatus has a two-dimensional scanning device for inputting picture data, a keyboard for entering control data, an optical disk for storing the picture data input through the two-dimensional scanning device, a floppy disk for storing a control program, a CRT display device for displaying the picture data stored in the optical disk, a printer for producing a hard copy of the picture data stored in the optical disk, and a communication control unit. When a given apparatus desires registration, retrieval or deletion of picture data in another apparatus, a control unit of the given apparatus communicates with the another apparatus through the communication control units.