Feature Analysis of Career Information Delivery Systems (CIDS)

Career information delivery systems (CIDS) have evolved from a rare technological innovation to a common resource in the delivery of career services. The problem is that most information in texts, training materials, and marketing materials from CIDS developers describe the features of a single system. No current aggregate data is available that examines the features of CIDS to provide a state-ofthe-art perspective on system design. The general purpose of this study was to provide an aggregate description of the features of CIDS in order to identify the current strengths and weaknesses of this technology. In particular, practitioners, CIDS developers, researchers, and policy makers can make specific use of data from this study. A Total of ? Internet-based CIDS were included in the study. Each CIDS was analyzed according to features in the four categories of 1) site content, 2) user friendly features, 3) support resources, and 4) access policy. Data were gathered by actual CIDS use and the review of support materials provided on-line. Results are presented in a checklist format along with a listing of the CIDS that were analyzed in the study. A general conclusion follows a discussion of the results.