An information storage apparatus includes a storage media including a plurality of information tracks. Each storage medium has a head assembly having a substantially planar surface and a plurality of read/write heads positioned in registry with the information tracks. The read/write heads are arranged substantially in the plane of the planar surface. The information storage medium and the head assembly are arranged in mutually sliding abutment such that the heads are substantially in sliding contact with the outer surface of the information storage medium. In another aspect an information storage and retrieval apparatus includes an information storage medium including an information storage area, and an array of information read/write heads. The information storage medium and array of heads 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 heads during oscillation.