The present invention generally relates to a method and apparatus for allowing nearly simultaneous retrieval of large data and small data. In carrying out the method, the first step involves a user interfacing with a first workstation to query a small data storage device for selected data. In the second step, the small data storage device then transmits the selected data to the first workstation while simultaneously communicating with a large data storage device to identify relevant large data files. In the third step, the relevant large file data is transferred from the large data storage device at a transfer rate sufficiently fast enough to reach the first workstation before or about the same time that the smaller data reaches the first workstation, the overall process occurring in a sufficiently short period of time to meet the "on-demand" needs of the user.