A survey of 72 member libraries in the Association of Research Libraries revealed the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and the measures taken to cope with it. Recommends implementing proactive ergonomics programs; soliciting staff input for solutions; providing report guidelines; using external help; stressing preventive measures and…

Eleven photographs confirm that permitting ergonomic options of foot placement and body posture pays off in improved student attention. (MLF)

Discussion of human engineering factors of using online catalogs offers guidelines for selection and placement of terminals and furniture. (eight references) (MES)

Notes environmental factors affecting adult learning situations: territoriality, seating arrangements, sightlines, and equipment. A checklist for conducting a space audit includes features inside and outside the classroom. (SK)

Addresses the issue of assuring quality software for use in computer-aided instruction and presents a structure by which developers can create quality courseware. Differences between courseware and computer-aided instruction software are discussed, methods for testing software are described, and human factors issues as well as instructional design…

Suggests that over the next 20 years the evolution of communication technologies may offer a critical opportunity for researchers to positively shape the channels of mediated human communication. Focuses on communication research's role in new communication media. Sketches out a possible research response: a "human factors approach" to…

Offers guidance on selecting appropriate seating furniture for outdoor facilities, arenas, auditoriums, and lecture rooms. Considerations such as beam mounting systems to facilitate laptop computer and campuswide networking use by students and chair durability and ergonomics are discussed as are tips for choosing a seating remanufacturing company.…

Discusses the rise of posture-related discomfort and injury in children using computers in their classrooms and explores the research in the area. Recommends greater effort in encouraging school furniture manufacturers to create ergonomically appropriate computer workstations. Advice on what children can do to lessen musculoskeletal discomfort…

The International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI) President (1999-2000) reports on the State of the Profession. Part I compares the profession of human performance technology (HPT) to other professions. Part II discusses the nature of HPT and examines critical classes of variables affecting the mission of HPT. Part III illustrates…

Examines the potential problems facing educational institutions from the impact of computer use, ergonomics, and physical injuries. Paying attention to ergonomics and solutions through proper furniture buying are discussed. Tips to help institutions reduce the possibility of children suffering painful and possibly disabling injuries are…

Recent years have seen widespread adoption of automatic grading of physics homework problems. Although first-generation homework management systems provide feedback and assign scores based only on the answers, problem-solving performance on exams seems to be no worse for students using these systems than for those who receive detailed comments…

The author urges the reader to consider the vital role that ergonomic furniture design can have on the lives of our children in schools. He writes that Western civilizations include teaching how to sit still in their schools' "hidden curriculum." Most teachers seem to associate learning with quiet, disciplined sitting. "They are making…

Human Performance Technology (HPT) is a rapidly changing field. Evolving from instructional design (ID), HPT shares many of its concepts and applications but encompasses a wider and different domain, including both training and non-training interventions. HPT shares much common ground with the fields of information science (IS) and organizational…

A comprehensive development process for display design, focusing on computer-generated cathode ray tube (CRT) displays is presented. A framework is created for breaking the display into its component parts, used to guide the design process. The objective is to design or select the most cost effective graphics solution (hardware and software) to…

A number of variables may affect the ability of students to perceive, and learn from, instructional materials. The objectives of the study presented here were to determine the projected color that provided the best visual acuity for the viewer, and the necessary minimum exposure time for achieving maximum visual acuity. Fifty…