Featuring new and updated information on computer technologies, including networking and using the Internet as a necessary tool for professionals, Human Services Technology: Understanding, Designing, and Implementing Computer and Internet Applications in the Social Services will help individual human service professionals and agencies understand, design, implement, and manage computer and Internet applications. Combining several relevant fields, this informative guide provides you with the knowledge to effectively collect, store, manipulate, and communicate information to better serve clients and successfully manage human service agencies.

Contents * Introduction * Assumptions * Organization of Chapters * Part I: Basic Concepts and History * Chapter 1: Personal Views of Human Service Technology * Introduction * Information Technology As Seen by a Person with a Disability * Information Technology As Seen by an Executive Secretary in a Mental Health Association * Information Technology As Seen by a Clinician in a Mental Health Center * Information Technology As Seen by the Director of Information Management at a Local State Department Office * Information Technology As Seen by the Executive Director of a Multiprogram Home Health Agency * Information Technology As Seen by a United Way Committee Member * Conclusion * Review and Discussion Questions * Chapter 2: Basic Concepts and Historical Context * Introduction * Basic Concepts of Human Services IT * Introduction to IT * Historical Perspective * Societal Impact * Information Use in Human Service Delivery * Conclusion * Review and Discussion Questions * Part II: Applications of Information Technology in the Human Services * Chapter 3: Professional Generic Applications and Assistive Technology * Introduction * Generic applications * Research Applications * Education Applications * Assistive Technology * Conclusion * Review and Discussion Questions * Chapter 4: Management Applications * Introduction * Historical Perspective * Data Processing Applications * Information Systems * Knowledge-Based Applications * Decision Support Applications * Performance Support Applications * Conclusion * Review and Discussion Questions * Chapter 5: Human Services IT Applications * Introduction * Policymaking Level * Community Level * Agency Management Level * Direct Service Level: Helping Practitioners Manage and Report Work * Director Service Level: Supporting Practitioner-Client Interactions * Client Level * Conclusion * Review and Discussion Questions * Part III: Designing, Developing, and Implementing Information Technology Applications * Chapter 6: Designing, Developing, and Implementing Information Technology Systems * Introduction * Basic Concepts * The Application Design and Development Process * Tools, Techniques, and Skills * Development Issues * Conclusion * Review and Discussion Questions * Chapter 7: Applying Systems and Decision-Making Theories * Introduction * Systems * Decision Making * Implications of Systems and Decision-Making Theories * Conclusion * Review and Discussion Questions * Chapter 8: Assessing Human Service Information Needs * Introduction * Organizational Influences on Human Service Information Needs * Influences of Human Service Processes and Decision Making on Information Needs * Implications of Information Needs on IT Design and Development * Conclusion * Review and Discussion Questions * Chapter 9: Hardware and Software Influences on IT Development * Introduction * Hardware Basics * Hardware Functions * Hardware Components * Software Basics * Implications for System Design and Development * Conclusion * Review and Discussion Questions * Chapter 10: Database Management Influences on IT Development * Introduction * Database Management Basics * Managing Data * Data Management Software * Designing a DBMS * Implications of Data Management for IT Design and Development * Conclusion * Review and Discussion Questions * Chapter 11: Networking, Telecommunications, and Internet Influences on IT Development * Introduction * Networking Basics * Types of Networks * Network Activities * Cyberspace * Implications of Networking for IT Development * Conclusion * Review and Discussion Questions * Part IV: Maintaining Information Technology * Chapter 12: Managing, Supporting, and Evaluating IT Applications * Introduction * Basic Concepts * Information Management Issues * Reviewing IT Performance * Guidelines for Success * Conclusion * Review and Discussion Questions * Chapter 13: Trends, Issues, and the Future * Introduction * Society * Policy Formulation and Analysis * Administrative Practice * Community Practice * Individual, Family, and Group Practitioners * Educators * Researchers and IT Developers * Clients * Conclusion * Review and Discussion Questions * Glossary * References * Author Index * Subject Index