Explores the varying degrees of success that technical communicators had in different geographic and organizational settings of three development efforts within one company. Finds that a high degree of integration between technical communicators and developers can result in improved information products but that the organizational framework, work…

Argues that information designers can obtain a better understanding of users by using the contextual inquiry methodology, which involves conducting open-ended conversations with users while they perform their work. Notes that information designers using contextual inquiry depend on context, partnership, and focus to make design decisions. Relates…

Examines the structure of undergraduate computing at a large private university, including patterns of use, impact of computer ownership and gender, and the bureaucratic structure in which usage is embedded. The profile of computer use uncovered in a survey is compared with reports offered by the institution and the trade press. (10 references)…

Summarizes the highlights of a report on the results of a 1989 survey conducted by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to obtain current information on the availability and usage of services for children in public libraries. The design of the questionnaire and unasked questions for future research are mentioned. (EAM)

Reviews survey responses from 127 nonmedical academic libraries in Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas regarding their vertical files (e.g., acquisitions, weeding, size, nature, collection management, frequency of use, maintenance of statistics, types of users, circulation, and security), reporting that 109 had vertical files, with most emphasizing topics…

The issue of test user competency arises from the question of restrictions on the use of psychological tests. The only justifiable basis for restricting test use is one that reflects the skills and competencies of the user. Ultimately, only professional judgment determines whether a test is properly used. (SLD)

Discussion of complimentary computer software for college-level textbooks focuses on a study that investigated how a complimentary program was used and identified factors that influenced its use or nonuse. Barriers to use are described, including personal, technical, process, political, and economic factors. (Contains four references.) (LRW)

Describes research that was conducted to investigate the needs and characteristics of noncomputer professionals who use word processing software on personal computers. A model of the intermittent user's performance is presented, and two experiments are described that examined differences in mode of interaction and the use of online help. (30…

Describes two use studies of the microforms collection at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, one conducted in 1982 and the other in 1987. Collection profiles are presented, use study methodology is discussed, and results of the two studies are analyzed and compared. (Five references) (LRW)

This third article in a series describes a study that investigated database selection behavior of end-users of the EasyNet Scan feature in the areas of social sciences and arts and humanities. Databases are ranked in order of user selection, and variables that influence file selection are briefly discussed. (Three references) (LRW)

Describes a user survey of document delivery in academic settings that used a conjoint analysis approach. Results of interviews with faculty members and graduate students that investigated preferences for library interlibrary loan services versus commercial document delivery services and the effects of cost and speed of delivery are discussed.…

Notes that service utilization is result of complex and dynamic interaction between social services consumers and providers. Sees effective strategies for change in service utilization based on understanding of characteristics of consumers and their environment. Contends that social work administrators can change utilization by manipulating…

Elicitations study during 40 mediated information retrieval (IR) interactions identified 1557 search intermediary elicitations within 15 purpose categories (requests for information on search terms and strategies, database selection, search procedures, system's outputs and relevance of retrieved items, and users' knowledge and previous…

A national survey (N=1,218) examining use of assistive technology by people with mental retardation found that, in four of five areas (mobility, hearing/vision, communication, home adaptation, environmental control), the percentage of individuals who used assistive devices was under 10%, although many more individuals would likely benefit from…

Describes a Delphi study of digital libraries (DL; January 1998) focusing on issues related to digital libraries. Highlights include an overview of the Delphi technique; its shortcomings; use of the Delphi Planning System, a Web-based software application; methods for identifying experts and identifying/selection questions; and results of the…