Thu, 26 Aug 2004 12:27:05 -0500
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The August 2005 issue of Technical Communication will be a special issue
focused on the future development of the technical communication
profession, guest edited by Michael J. Albers.
DESCRIPTION
Traditionally, the focus of technical communicators has been on the writing
documents. However, in recent years, technical communicators have been
widening their scope and expanding into areas such as interface and
interaction design, information architecture, information design, and
usability. In tandem with this expansion, the fundamental methods of
delivering information have changed, primarily though use of single
sourcing, XML, and multiple methods of delivery, all of which have
increased the need for both collaboration and project management. Further
clouding the picture is the move toward outsourcing projects overseas.
Many researchers have examined these topics recently, but the examination
has tended to be a view of individual technologies and methods and the ways
they fit within current documentation processes. The effects of softer
skills such as project management have not received adequate consideration.
Also, other disciplines have driven the research in areas such as the
human-computer interface and information architecture. Missing is the
overall examination and synthesis of how these changes will affect
technical communication as a discipline in both the short (3-5 years) and
longer terms. None of these changes operate in a vacuum, but all affect the
others in ways that are both obvious and subtle or as yet unforeseen.
The purpose of this special issue is to step back from a close examination
of any particular technology or job description, and, instead, to examine
how they will affect the development of technical communication as a
discipline.
POSSIBLE TOPICS FOR THIS SPECIAL ISSUE
Issues of interest include
¨ New or expanded skill sets (and their effects) that will be
required for a technical communicator to remain viable within the field
¨ The effects of a particular technology or skill on the field and
how that technology or skill will integrate with the other changes
¨ The research agenda needed to move technical communication forward,
both to address the uncertainties of the near future and to position the
discipline for future growth
¨ The ways that the field of technical communication will change as
jobs require a more varied skill set (more than any one person can
reasonably be expected to master) and the ways that the field needs to
position itself to ensure a smooth transition
SCHEDULE
The schedule for the special issue is as follows:
1 September 2004 500-word proposal due
15 October 2004 Acceptances mailed
15 December 2004 Draft manuscript due
1 February Comments returned
15 March 2005 Final manuscript due
15 July 2005 Issue published
Send proposals by e-mail to [log in to unmask] Proposals and drafts will
be peer-reviewed. Acceptance of a proposal does not guarantee acceptance of
the final article.
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Dr. Michael J. Albers
Professional Writing Program
Department of English
University of Memphis
Memphis TN 38152
[log in to unmask]
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