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Information Technology Planning provides librarians and electronic resource planners with innovative suggestions and strategies for creating the digital library for the twenty-first century. Full of information on technological advances and resource assessment, this book explores the best ways to make your library accessible to users and discusses user-centered decision-making techniques. With Information Technology Planning, you'll choose the appropriate electronic resources for your library to best serve the needs of your patrons.Examining electronic resource redesigning and implementation, this book offers you examples of how other institutions, such as Carnegie Mellon University Libraries, the University of Arizona Libraries, the Central Library of Multnomah County, Oregon, and the University of Rochester Libraries, are working to supply relevant and vast amounts of information to their patrons. Information Technology Planning provides you with many methods and suggestions that will improve your institution's electronic resource capabilities, including: understanding the basic needs of a digital library--database development, online public access catalogs (OPACs), networking, hardware and wiring, licensing, authentication, and security--and how to choose the right resources for your institution using a 13-category planning checklist that examines database selection, pricing, and funding issues for implementing shared research databases in a consortium environment combining internal reviews, heuristic reviews, usability testing, and field testing to measure the usability of a web page examining the benefits of outcome-based education (OBE) to schools and librarians, such as increased learning and designing a curriculum based on the resources of a specific institution questioning issues such as convenience, funding, information needs, licensing, and satisfaction of students/faculty when deciding upon delivery services for electronic resources applying the eight “rules of thumb” for cost effectiveness when choosing delivery options for electronic bibliographic databases acknowledging the immediate and future potential perils of computers and too much informationOffering you many proven methods and procedures, this book contains question-and-answer sections, appendices, research, and an example patron evaluation to assist you in choosing and evaluating which resources will work best for your library. From Information Technology Planning, you'll receive the necessary groundwork for reorganizing and enhancing your library's digital resources in order to effectively meet patron demands well into the next century.

How reconsidering digital media and participatory cultures from the standpoint of disability allows for a full understanding of accessibility. While digital media can offer many opportunities for civic and cultural participation, this technology is not equally easy for everyone to use. Hardware, software, and cultural expectations combine to make some technologies an easier fit for some bodies than for others. A YouTube video without closed captions or a social network site that is incompatible with a screen reader can restrict the access of users who are hard of hearing or visually impaired. Often, people with disabilities require accommodation, assistive technologies, or other forms of aid to make digital media accessible—useable—for them.Restricted Access investigates digital media accessibility—the processes by which media is made usable by people with particular needs—and argues for the necessity of conceptualizing access in a way that will enable greater participation in all forms of mediated culture. Drawing on disability and cultural studies, Elizabeth Ellcessor uses an interrogatory framework based around issues of regulation, use, content, form, and experience to examine contemporary digital media. Through interviews with policy makers and accessibility professionals, popular culture and archival materials, and an ethnographic study of internet use by people with disabilities, Ellcessor reveals the assumptions that undergird contemporary technologies and participatory cultures. Restricted Access makes the crucial point that if digital media open up opportunities for individuals to create and participate, but that technology only facilitates the participation of those who are already privileged, then its progressive potential remains unrealized. Engagingly written with powerful examples, Ellcessor demonstrates the importance of alternate uses, marginalized voices, and invisible innovations in the context of disability identities to push us to rethink digital media accessibility.

Maximize the impact and precision of your message! Now in its fourth edition, the Microsoft Manual of Style provides essential guidance to content creators, journalists, technical writers, editors, and everyone else who writes about computer technology. Direct from the Editorial Style Board at Microsoft—you get a comprehensive glossary of both general technology terms and those specific to Microsoft; clear, concise usage and style guidelines with helpful examples and alternatives; guidance on grammar, tone, and voice; and best practices for writing content for the web, optimizing for accessibility, and communicating to a worldwide audience. Fully updated and optimized for ease of use, the Microsoft Manual of Style is designed to help you communicate clearly, consistently, and accurately about technical topics—across a range of audiences and media.

The past two decades have seen exciting changes with developing countries emerging as exporters of services. Technological developments now make it easier to trade services across borders. But other avenues are being exploited: tourists visit not just to sightsee but also to be treated and educated, service providers move abroad under innovative new schemes, and some developing countries defy traditional notions by investing abroad in services.'Exporting Services: A Developing Country Perspective'takes a brave approach, combining exploratory econometric analysis with detailed case studies of representative countries: Brazil, Chile, the Arab Republic of Egypt, India, Kenya, Malaysia, and the Philippines. Two questions lead the analysis: How did these developing countries succeed in exporting services? What policy mix was successful and what strategies did not deliver the expected results? The analysis evaluates the role of three sets of factors: First, the fundamentals, which include a country's factor endowments, infrastructure, and institutional quality; second, policies affecting trade, investment, and labor mobility in services; and third, proactive policies in services designed to promote exports or investment. The case studies illustrate the complex nature of reforms and policy making in the service sector as well as the benefits of well-implemented reforms. Although success seems to be explained by a set of conditions that are difficult to replicate, common features can also be identified. Several countries have adopted policies to support exports, especially exports of information technology–related services. This resource will be valuable for policy makers, experts, and academics who are engaged in efforts to reform service and investment policies in their own country.

The services sector is key to economic growth, competitiveness, and poverty alleviation. Comprising more than two-thirds of the world economy, services are now commonly traded across borders, helped by technological progress and the increased mobility of persons. In recent years, a number of developing countries have looked at trade in services as a means to both respond to domestic supply shortages and to diversify and boost exports. Any country can tap into the trade potential of services, but not every country can become a services hub across sectors. The opening of the services sector potentially comes with large benefits, but also fears and costs that should not be overlooked. This book provides useful guidelines for the assessment of a country's trade potential, and a roadmap for successful opening and export promotion in select services sectors. It looks at both the effects of increased imports and exports, and provides concrete examples of developing country approaches that have either succeeded or failed to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks of opening. It focuses on sectors that have been rarely analyzed through the trade lens, and/or have a fast growing trade potential for developing countries. These sectors are: accounting, construction, distribution, engineering, environmental, health, information technology, and legal services. This book is designed for non-trade specialists to understand how trade can help improve access to key services in developing countries, and for trade specialists to understand the specific characteristics of each individual sector. It will be a useful tool for governments to design successful trade opening or promotion strategies, and for the private sector and consumers to advocate sound domestic policy reforms accompanying an offensive trade agenda.

This enthralling volume explains the how's and why's of outsourcing jobs. Outsourcing has become a commonplace practice thanks to the growth of broadband Internet connections, improved shipping, open borders, increasing education, and the spread of English as a common language of business. It's difficult to find a company that doesn't outsource at least some small part of their business. Companies that have moved jobs overseas include household names such as MCI, Verizon, Delta Airlines, Microsoft, Citigroup, Hewlett Packard, General Electric, Sprint, and IBM. Outsourcing is not just for the private sector, however. Government agencies in forty states use foreign workers to handle their customer service needs. This leads to job loss for many American workers and downturns in local economies. Outsourcing of American jobs is not necessarily the problem, however, and other countries'hard workers are not the enemy. Readers will learn that if the United States is to create jobs, services, and products that are so specialized they cannot be supplied by any other nation, the U.S. must invest in its citizens. It is innovation, skill, and know-how that have allowed the United States to become a world leader over the past hundred years. If it hopes to stay in front of the global pack, its commitment to fostering an educated, intelligent, hard-working, and creative citizenry must not slacken, but in fact be strengthened.

Developed by Microsoft's senior editors and content managers, this manual of style captures the up-to-date standards and best practices for delivering clear and consistent technical communications. Now in its third edition, this popular reference has been fully revised, expanded, and optimized for ease of use. You'll find new coverage on meeting the needs of a global audience, accessibility concerns, and the latest technical terms and acronyms—along with expertly organized sections on usage, grammar, punctuation, tone, formatting, and common style problems. Whether you're creating print documentation, online help, Web content, or other communications, you'll get the information and examples you need to maximize the impact and precision of your message. Get clear, concise guidance to help you: Use technical terms correctly and consistently—including do's, don'ts, and alternatives for usage. Employ the appropriate tone and voice for your audience. Produce written and visual content suitable for a worldwide audience. Apply best practices for writing and tagging Web content. Write better documentation—from dialog boxes and error messages to Web pages and software code. Know the standards for creating accessible communications. Optimize your indexes, cross-references, and keyword lists. Get fast answers on spelling, grammar, and punctuation. CD includes: Complete eBook insideA Note Regarding the CD or DVD The print version of this book ships with a CD or DVD. For those customers purchasing one of the digital formats in which this book is available, we are pleased to offer the CD/DVD content as a free download via O'Reilly Media's Digital Distribution services. To download this content, please visit O'Reilly's web site, search for the title of this book to find its catalog page, and click on the link below the cover image (Examples, Companion Content, or Practice Files). Note that while we provide as much of the media content as we are able via free download, we are sometimes limited by licensing restrictions. Please direct any questions or concerns to booktech@oreilly.com.

Praise for the The Executive's Guide to Information Technology'This book is important reading. It offers practical, real-world insight and pragmatic no-nonsense approaches for people who have a stake in corporate IT.'--Lynda Applegate, Henry R. Byers Professor of Business Administration, Harvard Business School'Information systems and processes are very important parts of our due diligence assessment of a company--yet the jargon is often more difficult to understand than many foreign languages. Baschab and Piot effectively translate IT into words and concepts that businesspeople can easily understand and act upon. This book is a helpful reference guide for corporate executives and private equity groups of all types.'--Neal Aronson, Managing Partner, Roark Capital Group'Business success increasingly depends on effective use of IT. Effective use of IT depends on the kind of in-depth, practical insight in this book. Baschab and Piot provide a pragmatic approach to information systems investment that should be required reading for senior executives and CIOs alike.'--Erik Brynjolfsson, Schussel Professor of Management, Director of the Center for Digital Business, MIT'This book should provide valuable guidance for management and technology consultants. The Executive's Guide to Information Technology provides field-proven insight on all important aspects of IT planning and execution, from governance to applications to operations and infrastructure.'--Gary J. Fernandes, former vice chairman, EDS, member of the Board of Directors, Computer Associates'Baschab and Piot do a great job of laying out the fundamental issues and challenges that every IT organization faces. More often than not, the issues are not technical in nature, but are a reflection of how the IT and business teams work together to define, execute, and implement new business tools. The threshold issue is leadership. Often it is difficult for business leaders to feel that they have the skills and perspective to provide that leadership on technical projects. The Executive's Guide to Information Technology provides non-technical business leaders a solid framework for engaging with their IT peers.'--Tom Nealon, Chief Information Officer, J.C. Penney

You have what it takes to be a CIO. Do you have a strategy for getting there? Now you do.'Gregory Smith has written the definitive work on how to achieve leadership success in IT. This well-written and carefully researched book is a must-read for any IT professional with aspirations toward the top IT spot. Years from now, seasoned IT leaders will be crediting Smith's book with playing a role in their success.'—Martha Heller, Managing Director, IT Leadership Practice, Z Resource Group, and cofounder, CIO Executive Council'Wow! Put all the tips, advice, and strategies in this book to use now. The road to the top is rarely straight—follow Gregory's advice and the path will reveal itself to you!'—John R. Sullivan, CIO, AARP'While most professions have a distinct road map to the top, there is no standard career path to becoming a CIO. Smith addresses this unique challenge and provides aspiring CIOs with encouragement, advice, and essential skills based on years of his own and other CIOs'cumulative experience -- an important effort for the profession that Smith's fellow members in the CIO Executive Council embrace and applaud.'—Mark Hall, General Manager of the CIO Executive Council'Teaching students what a CIO really does has been tough. We've had to choose between anecdotal treatments based on trade press articles and integrated academic frameworks that offer little in the way of lived experiences. Greg's book fixes that. By organizing interviews with leading technology executives, trade press reports, and his own experiences as a CIO, he provides an organized and comprehensive view of the job and its important role in modern organizations.'—Fred Collopy, PHD, Professor and Chair of Information Systems and Professor of Cognitive Science, Case Western Reserve University

Contemporary Security Management, Second Edition, is the most comprehensive and up-to-date security management book available. The book is designed to provide the hard facts on modern practices to efficiently and effectively run a security department. It covers such vital topics as leadership in management, employee relations, risk management and mitigation, terrorism, information security, access control, investigations, substance abuse, workplace violence, and emergency management. New topics covered include terrorism and the post 9/11 government mandate to perform standard vulnerability assessments for various industries. All the chapters have been updated and include the latest trends, technologies, and best practice procedures. Case studies throughout the text provide real-world examples and solutions to management issues. Samples of security plans and procedures, checklists, diagrams and illustrations aid in explaining a wide range of critical concepts. The book serves as an indispensable working tool for students in security management courses, security managers, and other security professionals at all levels of experience. • Offers an experience-proven, practical approach to the business of security • Includes case studies throughout the text provide real-world examples and solutions to management issues. • Contains samples of security plans and procedures, checklists, diagrams and illustrations aid in explaining a wide range of critical concepts

Shortlisted for the 2000 Walter Owen Book Prize This best-selling text has been thoroughly updated and revised to reflect industry changes since publication of the first edition in 1998. George Takach is one of Canada's leading practitioners and teachers in this new legal field. Computer Law 2/e brings together elements of many diverse branches of law, from intellectual property law to criminal and constitutional law, from laws concerning individual privacy, to laws governing domestic and international commerce. In an area of human enterprise where change rules and rules change at a lightning pace, Mr. Takach has brought a synthesis that will guide Canadian law and lawmakers along the information highway in the twenty-first century.

The Executive's Guide to Information Technology is a sophisticated and comprehensive guide to running a cost-effective, efficient, and business delivery-focused corporate Information Technology (IT) unit. Eschewing the theoretical for the practical, the book gives managers the guidance they need to handle any problem effectively. It provides specific policies, approaches, and tools for each critical IT management functionó from application management to vendor management. IT management experts John Baschab and Jon Piot provide the techniques IT managers and executives need to accurately assess their current operations. Further, they offer a step-by-step improvement plan designed to raise productivity and service levels while reducing costs significantly. The authors begin by examining the symptoms and causes of waste, inefficiency and underperformance in typical IT departments before offering in-depth analysis of each operational area of IT management. They present current and emergent best practices for transforming the department into a world-class service organization. Packed with prescriptive advice and hard-earned insight, this comprehensive resource is organized into stand-alone chapters that provide quick access to important information when managers need it. In addition, spreadsheets, documents, and checklists are designed to aid in planning and decision-making and can be easily accessed on the included CD-ROM. Designed to help IT managers and top executives get the most out of their departments, their budget and themselves, the book covers such topics as: managing the department, establishing leadership roles, assessing the organization, cost management, project demand management, operations management, infrastructure planning, vendor selection and management, technical standards setting, investment evaluation, and productivity and quality measurement programs. With The Executive's Guide to Information Technology, IT managers will understand the main sources of waste in their departments, identify major management issues, learn and implement critical steps toward improvement, and manage more effectively. The book will help managers improve their performance and stature within their organizations by providing the tips and tools to overcome typical areas of friction and miscommunication between IT departments and other business functions. Executives will understand how to work effectively with the CIO or IT director, as well as provide constructive management input to the IT function, achieving the best return on their IT assets.