Examines the visual manual genre, discussing main forms and functions of step-by-step and guided tour manuals in detail. Examines whether a visual manual helps computer users realize tasks faster and more accurately than a non-visual manual. Finds no effects on accuracy, but speedier task execution by 35% for visual manuals. Concludes there is no…

A new position always requires an adjustment period. No matter how much assistance staff members provide to the new principal, it helps to have a guide book that includes budget information, memos, charts, descriptions, staff information, grade-reporting procedures, data-processing calendars, disciplinary procedures, and any other information…

This study surveyed the regional cluster doctoral students in Nova University's Programs for Higher Education to determine their orientation needs and then developed a comprehensive orientation manual. Needs assessment survey forms were received from 24 regional cluster students (out of 29 survey forms sent) as well as 9 South Florida local…

To utilize park facilities to their fullest, visitors must be well-oriented to the park's physical layout. The results of a study undertaken at Rocky Mountain National Park indicate that information should be readily accessible and easy to use. (DF)

This fifteenth annual report of the METRO evaluation center discusses continuing problems related to user acceptance of controversial materials, lack of and poor quality of film guides, and circulation of the right product to the right user as a preliminary to the evaluation of instructional materials. Based on statistical summaries, predictive…

Describes a study at Kent State University that indicated that proper and full use of audiovisual equipment can give students a basic orientation to library facilities and services without the need for physically touring in large groups. (DC)

A project of the State College Area School District (Pennsylvania) to increase the self-confidence and independence of limited-English-proficient adult students is reported. Students learned to ask questions for information, give directions, read maps and bus schedules, and plan trips using local resources and a Pennsylvania state visitor's guide.…

This packet of materials includes an article, "Development of a Self-Guided Audiocassette Tour at a Large Academic Research Library: Preliminary Report," which originally appeared in the Summer 1986 issue of "Research Strategies," and the scripts for self-guided audiocassette tours of the main and undergraduate libraries at the…

Educators in Indiana's Duneland School District found the transition from elementary schools to a newly organized middle school unacceptably difficult for both the students and their parents. After assessing student and parent preconceptions of the middle school as revealed in their responses to questionnaires, the middle school principal…

This article focuses on findings from the author's dissertation study on 100 teachers (K-12) from 13 states, who were beginning a video-based distance learning Master's Program at a western United States university during summer term 2000. The purpose of the study was to find out if a specially designed orientation booklet of activities that…

This report is an assessment of information producing and disseminating activities of thirty-three major public and private agencies serving the Indochinese refugee program in the United States. A list of the agencies and description of the services they provide are appended. The results of the study are based primarily on telephone interviews…