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Reviewer: Gordon B. Davis

On the surface, the advantages of applications like word processing, computer storage, and email seem obvious. The implications of these applications also seem obvious, namely, that there will be a significant reduction in traditional paper documents, file cabinets, forms, and physical movement of various paper artifacts inside and outside organizations. It hasn't happened that way, however. Paper usage continues to increase. The paperless office is elusive. Why__?__ This short book provides useful and interesting explanations. It applies theory, and uses examples to make the explanations concrete and interesting. It is a must read for those involved in projects to achieve a so-called paperless office, either through the design of new hardware or software, or through implementing changes in office procedures. Through in-depth case studies, the authors identified three reasons paper persists in an environment with powerful digital alternatives. One reason is that work practices and patterns are built around the use of paper. Using technology to eliminate paper, without redesigning work practices, will result in system failure. A second reason is that digital devices are not designed for many of the tasks that need to be done, so paper remains the more optimal choice. The third reason is the affordances that paper offers. The concept of affordances is central to the research results and the authors' reasoning about paper. Physical objects have properties that afford possibilities for actions. Affordances define what people can do with an object. People often talk about the limitations of paper; the affordances of paper describe its possibilities. In comparing digital devices and paper, there are different affordances, and different limitations. For example, the affordances of paper for reading are quick and flexible navigation through documents, easy reading across more than one document simultaneously, the ability to mark documents while reading, and interweaving reading and writing. Digital technologies have other affordances. Sellen and Harper describe the important affordances of paper in various office activities. They also explain the failure of current digital technologies to displace paper, because paper is frequently the best alternative. The authors then suggest ways in which digital technologies might be designed to provide improved affordances in office situations, either alone, or in conjunction with paper. Online Computing Reviews Service