This updated bibliography on information retrieval covers the period from late 1986 through mid-1988. The 1,059 references are organized in 11 subject sections. Author and permuted title indexes are included. (MES)

Considers the concept of virtual reality in terms of more common forms of communication, including the telephone, post office mail, electronic mail, and interactive mail via online conversations and forums. Discussion includes the use of imagination and its role in virtual reality. (LRW)

Suggests that technical communicators look on continual change as continual opportunity for making communication more interesting, efficient, and effective. Discusses online documentation, interactive multimedia, the information highway, the challenge for communicators, and strategies for the future. (RS)

Monitors several measures of progress toward a breakthrough improvement in computer manuals. Reports observations from a benchmark study of the state of the art in computer manuals, both paper and online. Suggests additional areas for improvement. (RS)

Describes an online advisory system which offers guidelines for text writers. States that the system tries to provide easy switching from the word processor to the online advice and optimal access which enables the user to find relevant materials easily. Summarizes studies using prototypes of the system. Analyzes information-seeking behavior to…

Describes opportunities for locating job information through online networks using the World Wide Web or commercial networks such as CompuServe, America Online, and Prodigy. Points to the Online Career Center, the Interactive Employment Network, and books that describe available services. (JOW)

Analyzes requirements for text-based online conferencing through the use of a minimal prototype. Topics discussed include prototyping with a minimal system; text-based communication; the system as a message passer versus the system as a shared data structure; and three exercises that showed how users worked with the prototype. (Contains 61…

Describes an approach that combines concepts from information retrieval, fuzzy set theory, and genetic programing to improve weighted Boolean query formulation via relevance feedback. Highlights include background on information retrieval systems; genetic algorithms; subproblem formulation; and preliminary results based on a testbed. (Contains 12…

Describes how, when Intel Corporation undertook development of a line of desktop conferencing products, the company's writers assumed active roles in the process, conducting usability testing, identifying usability issues for the engineering teams, testing products, and using their findings in the design of both online and hard copy help systems,…

Argues that guidelines are required if a team of technical writers is to create consistent, usable online information. Examines research on screen design, schemata, and readers' styles. Concludes that online help information should be easy to access, structured with different levels, specific to the situation, consistent, and concise and easily…

The first of two articles discusses virtual reality (VR) and online databases; the second one reports on an interview with Thomas A. Furness III, who defines VR and explains work at the Human Interface Technology Laboratory (HIT). Sidebars contain a glossary of VR terms and a conversation with Toni Emerson, the HIT lab's librarian. (LRW)

Reviews computer networks and online services designed especially for teachers, as well as networks broadly targeted for business, home, and education. Presents a resources directory of networks to assist persons with disabilities. (SR)

Examines the relationship between recall and precision in information retrieval performance and explains why a trade-off between them is unavoidable under certain conditions. Topics discussed include the theoretical behavior of precision and recall; mathematics of the recall curve; an example using a test document collection; and two-stage…

The seven articles of this theme issue deal with the use of computer-based interactive graphical representations. Studying their use will bring answers to users of static graphics in traditional paper-based media and those who plan instruction using graphical representations that allow semantically direct manipulation. (SLD)

Explicates some paradoxes related to teleworking, information technology, and the use of the Internet. Makes recommendations for vocational education and training that resulted from European pilot projects on Internet training. (SK)