Human communication needs and organizational productivity: the potential impact of office automation.

Much of what white collar workers do in offices is communication-related. White collar workers make up the majority of the labor force in the United States today and the majority of current labor costs. Because office automation represents more productive structured techniques for handling both written and oral communication, office automation therefore offers the potential to make organizations more productive by improving organizational communication. This article: (1) defines communication, (2) identifies the potential benefits to be realized from implementing office automation, and (3) offers caveats related to the implementation of office automation systems. Realization of the benefits of office automation depends upon the degree to which new modes of communication may be successfully substituted for traditional modes.     

Teaching computer literacy: helping patrons to help themselves.

Teaching computer literacy to library patrons is an entirely appropriate activity for librarians in their role as liaisons between information and those who are seeking it. At the Norris Medical Library of the University of Southern California there are four main computer activities: information management workshops, provision of a microcomputer laboratory and classroom, formation of user groups, and installation of a campus-wide electronic bulletin board. Benefits to the library include: increased computer knowledge for librarians, better understanding of the information needs of the campus community, mutual respect and friendship between librarians and patrons, and introduction to the library of patrons who may otherwise never have come.