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Electronic and Digital
Publishing
Overview
People in digital publishing work to present “conventional
print-based media […] in a form that the reader can view and
use on the computer” (Stanek 7). This work can involve any
number of activities which may include
• Updating and managing the content of websites
• Designing web pages
• Developing company software
• Developing computer-based training programs
In response to the integration of the internet into mainstream culture,
competitive companies in any number of different fields require
digital publishing. Often found in a company’s marketing or
human resources department, successful persons in digital publishing
must be computer savvy and keep abreast to current technological
and theoretical innovations in their field. Furthermore, competency
in industry-standard software, design concepts, communication principles,
and rhetorical theories contributes to professional success.
Work Environment
Digital publishing, especially in larger companies, often requires
collaborative work; therefore, people in this field must have effective
communication skills. Workers generally work weekdays from 8:00am
to 5:00pm, but may be required to work some nights and weekends
to complete a project. Though many workers in digital publishing
work in their employer’s office, it is not uncommon for contractors
to work from home. Also, digital publishers must be skilled in HyperText
Markup Language (HTML) and knowledgeable in solving problems concerning
browsers, operating systems, compatibility issues, and other dilemmas
that occur on the computer.
Outlook and Trends
According to the United States Department of Labor, opportunities
in digital publishing are expected to continue to grow at rapid
pace through 2012. Because technology is continually changing, employers
are looking for job applicants with “an ever-broader background
and range of skills, including not only technical knowledge, but
also communication and other interpersonal skills […which]
emphasizes workers who can handle various responsibilities.”
The more affordable prices of computers and related technology also
contribute to the projected job growth. These lower costs fuel companies’
desire to remain competitive by continually updating their systems
and seeking “computer specialists who are knowledgeable about
the latest technologies and are able to apply them to meet [their]
needs. “
Though permanent positions are available, there
is an increasing trend for contract positions. This practice allows
companies to hire people with specific skills to complete a project
over a designated period of time. Hiring contractors often proves
to be more cost-efficient than retraining current employees.
Earnings
According to the US Bureau of Labor and Statistics, digital publishing
falls into the category of “specialists employed in computer
system design and related services” and had a median income
$49,590 in 2002.
Training and Qualifications
Students in the MAPC program who want to enter into the field of
digital publishing can tailor their educational experience by choosing
some of the following courses as electives or cognates.
ART 821: Visual Arts Seminar on Art and Technology
CP SC 605: Introduction to Graphical Systems Design
CP SC 614: Human and Computer Interaction
CP SC 628: Design and Implementation of Programming Languages
ENGL 675: Writing for Electronic Media
ENGL 678: Digital Literacy
ENGL 833: Rhetoric of Science
ENGL 872: Print and Digital Portfolios
ENGL 873: Assessment of Digital Texts
THRD 660: Developing Training Programs for Industry
THRD 665: Conducting and Evaluating Training Programs
Job Search
Information Technology Consultant
Webmaster
Web Designer
Web Developer
Employers
People wanting to go into the field of digital publishing can usually
find employment in both large and small companies that require the
creation and/or upkeep of electronic media, such as a website.
Resources
American Society for Information Science and Technology
Institute for the Certification of Computer Professionals
Information and Technology Association of America
Software Publishers Association
Software and Information Industry Association
Computer Press Association
Semiconductor Industry Association
American Electronics Association
Institute for the Certification of Computer Professionals
Information and Technology Association of America
Graphic Arts Guild
Society of Technical Communicators
References
Kasdorf, William E. ed. The Columbia Guide
to Digital Publishing. New York: Columbia U P, 2003.
Occupational Outlook Handbook. The United States
Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Outlook
Handbook. U. S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. 18 May 2004 <http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos042.htm>.
Stanek, William et al. Electronic Publishing
Unleashed. Indianapolis: Sams Publishing, 1995.
Content compiled and written by Carla Rogers
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