Nardi, Bonnie A. A small matter of programming: Perspectives on end user computing. MIT, 1993.

Nardi strives to convey how computer programmers may produce appliction systems that achieve end-user empowerment. She maintains that this occurs when users ure provided with the means to engage in programming.'' Examples given within this genre are spreadsheetsc CADc und statistical packages such s SAS and SPSS. These packages are rated as being successful in providing for end user empowerment because they enable users lo design their own systems. Programs, then, Nardi asserts, should be written in a manner that allows them lo serve as a catalyst, providing the fundamental, necessary elements with which the user can synthesize or construct a final system designed according to their oun conceptualization. Successful user empowerment systems focus on providing for user-computer interactions that subsume a high Ievel of specificity within a circumscribed general task of keen interest to the user. Programmers then can do a better job by utilizing psychological concepts such as activity theorya;nd distributed cognition. Although Nardi concedes that there are no explicit techniques for programmers to employ in all situations, this stimulating book will serve to promote the development of more user-satisfying systems. Advanced undergraduate through professional.

E. Hook, formerly Gettysburg College.

CHOICE May 94. American Library Association.

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