Abstract: An information self-storage system and a method of storing digital information in and retrieving that information from a self-storage system are described. The system comprises a network of storage devices, a group of distributed servers for managing use of the storage devices, and a plurality of distributed input terminals for receiving from users portable data media. The input terminals read digital information from portable media and download the read digital information to the servers for storage on the storage devices. With authorization of a person, after one of the input terminals reads and inputs the data from the data storage media, the input terminal may remove the information from the data storage media. The media is then available as empty or refreshed to the person. This allows a person using this system and the input terminal to have the data storage media returned fully or partially empty.

Abstract: Data is mined based on empty query results. An empty query result provided in response to a query for data on a shared communications network is detected, and data associated with at least one term within the query is assembled. At least one entity associated with the assembled data is determined, and contact with the entity is initiated to invite posting of the data on the shared communications network. There may be a number or frequency cut-off, such that data is assembled, and the associated entity is contacted only after the empty query result occurs a predetermined number of times within a predetermined time period.