Changes in the health care environment have impacted nursing workload, quality of care, and patient safety. Traditional nursing workload measures do not guarantee efficiency, nor do they adequately capture the complexity of nursing workload. Review of the literature indicates nurses perceive the quality of their work has diminished. Research has…

This essay and 48-item annotated bibliography provide information on potential problems of computer terminal use--cathode ray tube, video display unit, video display terminal--in libraries. Information on ergonomics (matching people to machines in humane way), eyes and vision, and radiation is included. (EJS)

This summary of methods for improving the user-computer interface is based on a review of the pertinent literature. Requirements of the personal computer user are identified and contrasted with computer designer perspectives towards the user. The user's psychological needs are described, so that the design of the user-computer interface may be…

Discusses the importance of recognizing the human component in library automation systems to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of the system. Human factors considerations are discussed in terms of health and safety aspects, ergonomics, workplace design, and job organization. (41 references) (CLB)

The study of computer mediated communication (CMC) systems in organizations is necessary for a complete examination and explanation of organizational culture and communication. Research has shown that the effects of CMC systems have been both positive and negative. Positively, they have helped to augment oral communication. Negatively, they have…

Self-report ergometric inventories can provide valuable information to employers and can serve as a means of intervention to improve employee attributes. Based on the science of ergonomics (a science that studies the natural laws of work in order to maximize human efficiency in job performance), such an inventory focuses on the interaction of the…

Discusses health concerns associated with the use of video display terminals (VDT) and provides guidelines to enhance the performance of VDT users. Health issues addressed include radiation, musculoskeletal, psychological, and visual concerns. Guidelines for a well-designed VDT environment are also presented, including hardware considerations,…

Discusses information gathered in past few years related to health effects of video display terminals (VDTs) with particular emphasis given to issues raised by VDT users. Topics covered include radiation emissions, health concerns, radiation surveys, occupational radiation exposure standards, and long-term risks. (17 references) (EJS)

Discusses evolution of ergonomics and development of computer ergonomics with its sub-fields of hardware ergonomics (user-equipment-related problems including workstation design); software ergonomics (problems in communication with computers); and peopleware ergonomics (psychological impact). Ergonomic features of VDTs, keyboards, and printers are…

The policy options offered in the literature concerning temporary work address two major concerns: (1) the conditions of temporary work itself; and (2) the elimination of fulltime jobs, or lack of growth, and their replacement by temporary work. Both temporary help firms and the organizations that use temporary help should be required to report on…

This manual provides information and suggestions on training the increasingly older work force. An introduction addresses a needed emphasis on training programs to retain older workers as employees and development of effective training that focuses on needs and limitations of older adults as learners. It introduces McDonald's McMaster's Program,…

This publication summarizes the proceedings of the Conference of Union Officials on Issues Related to Labor-Management Cooperation in Quality of Worklife (QWL) Improvement Efforts (March 1979) and subsequently treats issues that emerged in more detail. Chapter 1 provides a general introduction to QWL. A summary of the Washington, D.C. conference…

The widespread use of the micro/personal computer and related technological advancements are having important impacts on information management in the modern electronic office. Some of the most common software applications include word processing, spread sheet analysis, data management, graphics, and communications. Ancillary hardware/software…