Describes the Information SubTypes and Effects (ISTE) approach, which measures the relationship between the design of a document and the way users handle it. Positions the ISTE method within the broader context of usability testing. Describes its basic approach and some recent applications. Demonstrates that ISTE is a viable instrument for…

Describes two types of online vendor gateways--front-end buffers and host-to-host links. The potential threats and opportunities of gateways to database owners, online vendors, and users are identified, and a code of practice developed by the National Federation of Abstracting and Information Services is presented. (CLB)

Argues that an effectively designed intranet can become a valuable medium for facilitating work processes and communication throughout a company, and that sound structure and visual appeal are important in attracting users to an intranet. Examines issues, such as creating form appropriate to function, determining audience needs, and implementing…

Explains the controversy surrounding the Office Assistant ("Paper-Clip") in Microsoft's Office 97. Discusses why actual readers rejected the default Office Assistant's role as implied writer and rebelled against the reader role implied for them. Notes users resented its intrusive behavior, rejected its implied writer role, and refused to…

Defines two meanings of information design: the overall process of developing a successful document; and the way the information is presented on the screen (layout, typography, color, and so forth). Discusses the future importance of both of these meanings of information design, in terms of design for the web and single-sources (planning…

Discusses what usability is and how to test for it. Offers nine suggestions for technical communicators working on usability testing. (SR)

Reviews the increased importance of bibliographic instruction in libraries of all types and addresses the question of whether librarians are adequately trained to teach library patrons. The responsibility of library schools to provide training for bibliographic instruction is discussed. (CLB)

The National Information Infrastructure (NII) is a web of complementary and competitive information services developed by the telecommunications industry for use in distance education and educational programs. In support of NII, the United States Education Instruction through Telecommunications (USE IT) project presented 12 recommendations for…

This article describes a new career center paradigm called "Career Networking." It begins with an overview of the Network paradigm, comparing it with the past Placement and Career Planning paradigms. It then develops a model structure of a Network paradigm career office that brings together three clients--students, employers, and…

The need to consider length of residency, language facility, and cultural subgroup when selecting library materials for the Hispanic community is discussed in the first article. The second lists 50 vendors of Spanish language books and audiovisual materials, including a contact, an address, and specialty areas for each vendor. (CLB)

Defines cultural sensitivity and discusses the need for librarians to be culturally sensitive to ensure that libraries are instrumental in staff and patron success. Highlights include a presentation of culturally sensitive learning programs and guidelines; an examination of related issues and trends occurring at the University of Arizona Library.…

Discusses the U.S. Copyright Office's May 25, 1999 Report on Copyright and Digital Distance Education. Presents the Register of Copyrights' recommendations to Congress as to how to "promote distance education through networks, while maintaining an appropriate balance between the rights of copyright owners and the needs of users of copyrighted…

Explores past, present, and future trends of romance novels by discussing publication styles; romance appeal; ethnic romances; attitudes toward romance novels in libraries; and the acquisition, cataloging, processing, and shelving of romance novels in libraries. Sidebars list librarian romance novelists, 1994 award winning romance writers of…

The Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996 places vast new information burdens on state and local governments and the nonprofit and private sectors. Three classes of problems confront program and information managers implementing welfare reform: developing information infrastructure, redesigning applications to…

Between July 1, 1986, and June 30, 1987, the National Occupational Information Coordinating Committee (NOICC)/State Occupational Information Coordinating Committee (SOICC) network has made significant gains in meeting the information needs of planners and administrators of vocational education and employment and training programs as well as of…