A "user interface" is the part of an interactive system that bridges the user and the underlying functionality of the system. But people sometimes forget that the best interfaces will provide a platform to optimize the users' interactions so that they support and extend the users' activities in effective, useful, and usable ways. To look at it…

Describes GeoWorks, a new graphical user interface (GUI) that works on older, less powerful IBM PCs and compatibles. The PC/GEOS (PC/Graphical Environment Operating System) is explained, user friendliness is emphasized, comparisons are made to Microsoft Windows, and GeoWorks applications software is described. (LRW)

Discusses issues relating to reading text on computer screens and considers how to optimize screen presentation of text, particularly for academic journals. Topics discussed include reading as a physical and cognitive skill; classifying text according to reader-relevant criteria; and the design implications of these factors for electronic journal…

Discusses the concept of cyberspace, defines three different levels that have been or will be attained, and compares it with mediaspace; examines the concept of virtualization, particularly the virtual library, and defines three different levels; and describes the concepts of cybrarians, cyberocracy, and cyberology. (Contains seven references.)…

Discussion of graphical user interfaces for online public access catalogs (OPACs) covers the history of OPACs; OPAC front-end design, including examples from Indiana University and the University of Illinois; and planning and implementation of a user interface. (10 references) (EA)

Discusses the present status of technology use by students in Pennsylvania public school libraries, including membership in ACCESS PENNSYLVANIA, the statewide interlibrary loan network. The role of library media specialists in developing outcome-based curricula to facilitate use of technology tools is considered. (EA)