Discusses the current situation in North Carolina depository libraries' providing access to government information on the Internet. Focuses on Documents home page development and notes the importance of identifying an audience and what the organization has to offer; the next step is to look for and evaluate links. Discusses design issues and…

Highlights repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) and vision problems related to computer use. Discusses ergonomics, design faults and needs of equipment, and ways to make adjustments. Provides tips for safe computer use. (AEF)

Describes graphical elements--backgrounds, buttons, rules, and enhancements like drop shadows--that can transform Web pages without significantly increasing download time. Used thoughtfully and consistently, such graphical elements can create a unique style that serves as a personal Web page trademark. (AEF)

Examines design decisions regarding the use of video segments in interactive multimedia applications. Highlights include video functions in relation to content or logistics; utilization patterns; and results of audiovisual research on presentation or production variables, including narration and sound, special effects, pacing, and animation. (LRW)

Discusses the role of academic libraries as campus meeting centers, highlighting the distinction between changing functional requirements that are addressed with space programming and the social and emotional needs of a community that are realized through the design of place. Offers examples of design ideas and recommendations for librarians and…

Describes the design principles behind a set of research-based software microworlds included in the "Building Blocks" program, a pre-kindergarten to grade 2 software-based mathematics curriculum. Discusses how to help children extend and mathematize their everyday activities and presents the nine-step design process model used.…

Describes the stages of project management and instructional design. Outlines and compares the roles of project managers and instructional designers, and discusses how designers need to use a systematic approach which combines the stages of each process to remain detail-oriented while being cognizant of the entire project. (AEF)

Presents a strategy for designing course materials for use in multiple digital formats. Discusses initial design--planning for multiple media, instructional contexts, development strategies; designing core information--blocked text design, systematic development; porting information to other digital contexts; and revision and storage. Also…

This case study examines the proposed design of a new lecture/recital hall in Centennial Hall at Lynchburg College that will be used for lectures, public events, a film studies course, and musical recitals. It explores the audio-visual challenges presented by the differing acoustical requirements for the building. (EV)

Suggests that distance education instructors need to understand and apply important instructional design elements in order to successfully fulfill their role as instructional designers. Reviews the most recent literature pertaining to designing instruction in distance education. Identifies some key instructional design elements for teaching at a…

Describes guidelines for an online public access catalog (OPAC) workstation that will support the terminal, printer, and other peripherals. Workstation dimensions, lighting, wire management, printer and paper, acoustical treatment, seating, storage for books and coats, wastebasket, and interior decoration are addressed. Flexibility and simplicity…

Discusses problems that U.S. companies may experience in getting computer programs and other related products accepted in other countries because of difficulties in translating the English language used in the products. Topics discussed include slang, acronyms, and abbreviations; economic and financial differences; cultural differences; and…

Reviews the background, concepts, and role of hypermedia systems and analyzes essential, expected, and desirable features of hypermedia in order to provide a basis for system design and evaluation. Four hypermedium shells and systems are described, and approaches to user interface problems are discussed. (48 references) (MES)

This paper formulates guidelines for the design of children's play environments to optimize children's creativity during play. The paper defines "play," discusses Jean Piaget's work on cognitive adaptation, discusses creativity in the context of cognitive adaptation, and proposes designs for play environments to produce behavioral adaptation that…

This third article in a series dealing with libraries' compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act addresses architectural considerations, including library furnishings; accessibility problems outside the library building; architectural barriers in library interiors; and responsibilities of public and private entity libraries. (LRW)