When the University of Chicago Music Department moved into a renovated building, faculty attitudes changed from initial rejection to enthusiasm. Department members' needs and expectations, the program and budget, design and construction, and the project results are outlined and illustrated. (MSE)

From her study of traditional and open-plan British infant schools, the author shows how school buildings and playgrounds can express social and educational principles by controlling freedom of access; the destruction of defenses by open plan architecture being countered, on occasion, by creation of new defenses by teachers. (Editor/SJL)

Provides specific guidance to teachers planning activity areas and storage spaces to create an environment that supports children and how they learn. Areas of consideration include order, independence, comfort, materials, and boundaries. Hints for discovering unused space, including small and large storage projects, are provided. (SD)

Examines Web site assessment criteria that producers of public information may use to evaluate the effectiveness of a Web site. The goal of this study was to design analytical tools from system-based techniques and user feedback with which federal Web site administrators can assess the quality of their Web sites. (Author/AEF)

Provides an overview of the Quebec National Library (Bibliotheque Nationale du Quebec, or BNQ) Web site. Highlights include issues related to content, design, and technology; IRIS, the BNQ online public access catalog; development of the multimedia catalog; software; digitization of documents; links to bibliographic records; and future…

Describes the Clearwater (Florida) Public Library Web site which was created as a response to the growing use of the Internet for accessing information. Topics include design considerations; users; text-based navigation links; access speed; ease of use; value-added service; what information and services to include; and future possibilities. (LRW)

Examines the process involved in creating a library-related Web site based on experiences at Marquette University libraries. Topics include user needs, including library instruction and remote access services; content; design and redesign of the home page, including graphics; responsibility for site management; and future plans. (LRW)

Reviews literature in user acceptance and resistance to information technology design and implementation. Examines innovation diffusion, technology design and implementation, human-computer interaction, and information systems. Concentrates on the determinants of user acceptance and resistance and emphasizes how researchers and developers can…

Provides guidelines for designing Web sites: identify audience and information needs; make addresses easy to type and remember; consider audience software; keep files short and images to a minimum; categorize information for clarity; use clear contents statements; provide a mix of original documents and others located elsewhere; provide mechanisms…

Describes a prototype for a World Wide Web site that supports as many student and instructor needs as possible and was developed for a graduate course on instructional design. Topics include roles of the instructor and of the webmaster, student perspectives, technical design issues, user interface, and graphics. (LRW)

Discussion of creating World Wide Web pages for schools highlights content and subject matter; contributors; quality of content; technical and design standards; student and staff safeguards; copyright, ownership, and disclaimers; and server access. Pertinent Web site addresses are included. (LRW)

Presents an interview with Dr. Harold P. Geerdes, world-renowned music facility planner, acoustician, and music professor. Dr. Geerdes discusses the different characteristics of rehearsal spaces and concert halls as well as the importance of interior materials and design. He also provides some easy and inexpensive tips for schools. (MJP)

Presents an annotated review of human factors literature that discusses computerized environments. Topics discussed include the application of office automation practices to educational environments; video display terminal (VDT) workstations; health and safety hazards; planning educational facilities; ergonomics in computerized offices; and…

User-centered design of catalog records requires the study of user behaviors and cognition related to interaction with the catalog. During 3 phases of a pilot study, 103 catalog users described 386 searches; searchers generally knew the title, publication date, page numbers, and/or the author. (Author/AEF)

A small town designed a health clinic to entice a health care practitioner to locate in the town, increase the town's economic feasibility, generate local jobs, and stimulate business in the downtown. The design is important to achieving these goals by continuing and enhancing the town's character. (TD)