This book is intended to help librarians and others to produce databases of better value and quality, especially if they have had little previous experience in database construction. Drawing upon almost 40 years of experience in the field of information retrieval, this book emphasizes basic principles and approaches rather than in-depth and…

Reviews the questions and issues which must be addressed as libraries enter an age in which the development of online catalogs for library users is becoming more feasible. Viability of online catalogs, current activities in catalog development, variables involved in catalog design, and the potential of online systems are discussed. (JL)

Discusses current issues in the design of information systems, noting contributions from three professions--computer science, human factors engineering, and information science. The eclectic nature of human factors engineering and the difficulty of drawing together studies with human engineering or software psychological components from diverse…

A Kansas City (Missouri) school for severely handicapped children features a single corridor that encircles a skylit multipurpose room and provides access to all other areas. In addition to 20 classrooms, the school houses support services that include a testing and observation area, a workshop, and a home living center. (Author/MLF)

Offers reasons and guidelines for classroom exercises in creating black and white posters for introductory courses in graphics, design, production, or layout. (RL)

Presents a research study using three data-gathering methods--interview, behavioral diary, and behavioral map--to determine the effect of library design on student behavior. The values of normative data and the methods used are discussed, and it is concluded that physical design may influence behavior and satisfaction. (CWM)

Accessibility requires consideration of the needs of various building occupants, and necessitates matching places to people, instead of requiring people to overcome barriers. Cost effective approaches to making campus facilities accessible, including mobility needs surveys and the utilization of handicapped consumers, are discussed. (Author/JMD)

Good human-computer interfaces are essential in multimedia. Discusses methods of organizing information: non-linear versus linear, interactive, meaningful choices, and chunking; principles of interface design: knowing the users and offering options that are distinct, non-ambiguous, from user point of view, and in user terms; and interface…

Describes the technologically advanced aquatic and fitness center at the University of Virginia. Discusses the imprecise water chemistry control at the former facility and its intensive monitoring requirements. Details the new chemistry control standards initiated in the new center, which ensure constant chlorine and pH levels. (RJM)

Discusses the design of a series of case-based interactive videodiscs used for coaching preservice elementary science teachers to become reflective practitioners. Topics include HyperCard stacks; the formative evaluation process; and design features appropriate for materials developed in other content areas or with other technical platforms.…

Proposes a framework for designers and teachers to research better design methodologies for distance education and to choose the most appropriate technologies and design better instructional tasks. Presents a scenario in which inherent characteristics of technologies are merged with task characteristics to create positive and powerful educational…

Discusses rules for Web page design: consider audiences' Internet skills and equipment; know your content; outline the material; map or sketch the site; be consistent; regulate size of graphics to control download time; place eye catching material in the first 300 pixels; moderate use of color to control file size and bandwidth; include a…

Discusses the design of high quality Web-based online programs for higher education distance learning courses using the framework of grounded design. Uses an example of a graduate instructional technology course to focus on five areas of design decisions that best facilitate learning outcomes: psychological, pedagogical, technical, cultural, and…

Argues for the development of tailor-made computer-assisted learning (CAL) tutorials with the aim of replacing traditional lectures in second-language instruction. Issues related to the production of multimedia modular templates and prototypes, including module design, design criteria, methodology, and learner interaction, are described. (seven…