An expanded role for technical communicators in information system design, development, and delivery

The paper discusses challenging new roles for the technical communicator in the fast-paced world of designing, developing, and delivering information systems. These roles include: gathering requirements, writing and producing documentation, designing the interface, testing and debugging, acting as data administrator, training users, coordinating the help desk and user support resource, coordinating configuration management and change control. Also, the paper discusses several pitfalls associated with these roles, such as conflicting goals and the required learning curve. The examples presented are based on the three-person team developing the Tank Vapor Chemistry Database at the Pacific Northwest Laboratory