It is time to take a look at the methods of teaching traditional clerical skills such as typing, shorthand, machine transcription, and decision making in view of the advances in word processing and other technical advances in business equipment. Further research is encouraged in order to update curricula and business programs. (CT)

Students should be trained to obtain employment in any kind of office regardless of the office's size, location, or the duties and tasks involved. Therefore, students should be taught as much as possible about the concept and actualization of word processing. (CT)

Discusses changes in organizational design and staffing necessitated by word processing systems. Also presents results of an attitudinal survey of word processor operators, traditional secretaries, and administrative support persons. (JOW)

Considers how the placement of personal computers in every departmental and faculty members' office has made it possible for faculty and departmental clerical staff members to perform tasks previously performed elsewhere. Describes a department that runs largely by committee, in which newsletters, alumni relations, the web site, and strategic…

The author states that clerical workers will be the next major labor group to be organized. He says that clerical educators have two responsibilities: (1) to include instructional content that speaks to the topic of unions and (2) to become very familiar with the basic content and related issues. (CH)

The rapid development of computer technology is changing the nature and content of office work and requiring new skills. One approach to this need for continuous training is the use of modules of employable skills, self-instructional learning packages tailored to individual needs and employment specifications. (SK)

By using a collegial, "power-with" supervisory model that balances both institutional and individual needs, a manager can realize greater success in selecting, motivating, and retaining clerical staffers. Candor, accessibility, recognition, and two-way communication are the hallmarks of this participatory management model, with the goal of…

Research on the effects of collective bargaining by library clerical workers indicates that effects are often less dramatic than expected, and that there does not appear to be a single "union effect." Although one study found hefty gains for library workers with collective bargaining agreements, other studies have found no significant gains by the…

The aims of the present study were (1) to develop an instrument that would assess the child care needs of a relatively large group of university employees, and (2) to determine whether sufficient need existed to impel the employer to establish such a worker benefit. The project was conceived when a single group of employees (clerical personnel)…

Reviews recent research on the rate of implementation and impacts of office automation (i.e., expanding microcomputer use, expert systems, electronic publishing) and outlines how these impacts may lead to changes in roles and services of libraries and information professionals. (Author/MBR)

Stating that employers consider the nontechnical aspects of office work to be as important as work competence, the author lists 12 nontechnical qualities that business teachers should place greater emphasis on, such as new terminology, new devices, communication skills, decision making, personal and professional characteristics, responsibility,…

Clerical personnel may be able to climb career ladders as a result of office automation and expanded job opportunities in the word processing area. Suggests opportunities in an automated office system and lists books and periodicals on word processing for counselors and teachers. (MF)

The author states that a systems approach to office work consists of combinations of people, processes, and equipment in subsystems of communication, processing, and storage. To complement advanced office technology, workers need education in such competencies as reprography, typewriting, records management, and human relations. (MF)

Views of four spokespersons concerning the Federation of University Employees' 10-week strike at Yale University in 1984, which involved clerical and technical workers of Local 34, are presented. Speaking for the college administration, Linda Lorimer reviews the composition of the Local 34 bargaining unit and notables of the contract, and briefly…

These proceedings contain presentations (speeches, discussions, papers) from a conference on how office automation is affecting the work lives and employment future of clerical workers. They include a "Welcome to the [National] Academy [of Sciences]" (Roslyn Feldberg), "Opening Remarks" (Lenora Cole Alexander), and "Goals…