Includes related background reading, developing a selection policy and planning and building a balanced collection. Course content varies from semester to semester, reflecting contemporary issues in the discipline and depending upon student and faculty interest. Students examine digitization and new imaging, video technology, interactive and multimedia systems, wireless networks, groupware, desktop technology, and satellite communications. In addition students develop forecasts for their organizations using techniques such as The Delphi Survey, Trend Extrapolation, Relevance Trees, and Network Analysis. Students become familiar with blueprint reading, power requirements, electrical distribution, low voltage networking, heating and air conditioning, lighting, ergonomic design, OSHA and other safety codes and requirements.
Emphasis is placed on analyzing vendor proposals and contracts.
The course introduces the design of educational and training programs and prepares students to conduct needs and task analyses, write measurable objectives, select appropriate media and delivery systems, and evaluate effectiveness of results. A study of internal communications problems associated with the design and development of information products. Students analyze documentation teams, DOC plans, corporate style guides, government and military standards, and interpersonal work style preferences for their impact on the documentation life cycle. A study of external communications problems associated with the design and development of information products. Examines document design, document maintenance, editing and production problems, desktop publishing, online documentation, and interactive communications systems for their impact on the document life cycle.