Verbal and written language has become so dominant that it virtually excludes the perceptual languages from the thought process. However, Musil [1], in keeping with his thesis on the “other condition,” posits that visual and verbal statements must be kept in mind in a kind of complementary condition, if valid communication is to occur. But is visible language currently being used properly as an integral part of communication? Is it a means for addressing falling literacy levels? Can it be used as a tool to assist the programming function? To see, or not to see: that is the question.

The authors present a typical online information system and discuss the problems inherent in its use. The problems are addressed by a revised system which provides easier access to the database for both novice and experienced users. The system is illustrated by a scenario of a typical interaction with the revised system. The system used as an example is an online library catalog based on the SPIRES database management system.