DIRECTIVE	:	TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT INFORMATION NOTICE NO. 14-98
TO	:	ALL STATE JTPA LIAISONS ALL STATE WORKER ADJUSTMENT LIAISONS ALL STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY AGENCIES ALL ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER SYSTEM LEADS
FROM	:	DAVID HENSON Director Office of Regional Management
SUBJECT	:	O*NET™ 98 Release

1. Purpose. To announce the first public release of O*NET (Occupational Information Network), known as O*NET 98. This transitional product has been developed to help Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) users prepare for O*NET in the 21^st century.

2. Reference. 1991 Dictionary of Occupational Titles, Revised 4^th Edition.

3. Background. The workplace has changed since the DOT first defined it sixty years ago. O*NET captures workplace changes in terms that reflect the latest research in the field of job analysis. It is a comprehensive database system with access to key information on job equirements and worker competencies. It offers users more information than was available with the DOT.

   O*NET 98 is a useful tool supporting the Administration's Life Long Learning initiative. By identifying and describing the key components of modern occupations, O*NET supplies the nation with updated information critical to the effective training, education, counseling and employment of workers. Using O*NET individuals can access information about their present occupations or explore future career options to identify skill and knowledge gaps and use this information as a basis for structuring their life long learning activities.

   O*NET 98 contains data developed by job analysts using the O*NET skill-based structure. Future data will come directly from workers, and employers themselves, describing the work they do, the skills they need and the knowledge they use on the job. Expert researchers will collect and classify this empirical information to guarantee that O*NET data are accurate, current, consistent and comprehensive. It is anticipated that the next version of O*NET will formally replace the DOT in the 21^st Century.

   The comprehensive information in O*NET is organized in a relational database, available on CD-ROM, diskettes and Internet download. O*NET 98 is being officially produced and distributed by the Government Printing Office (GPO). The O*NET 98 Suite of Products consists of four (4) main tools:

   1)  O*NET 98 Viewer, version 1.0 (available on CD-ROM package, Diskettes and Internet download). A software application developed to help users access the information in the O*NET 98 Database. The main features allow users to search for information organized within the O*NET Content Model that contains 483 Descriptors covering Skills, Knowledges, Abilities, Generalized Work Activities, Interests, Work Values and Occupation-Specific Tasks. To simplify the search and use of the information, the Viewer has features that allow users to specify what they need and how they want the information displayed. The Viewer also offers Print capabilities to produce the information in report form. Some of the features of the O*NET 98 Viewer include:

   • data describing over 1,100 occupations that connect to the OES.

   • capability to locate occupations through skill requirements or key words.

   • electronic linkages that crosswalk O*NET occupational titles to eight other classification systems (DOT, MOS, OPM, etc.)

   • labor market information from BLS on employment levels, occupational outlook and wages, "Occupational Profiles" giving a short overview of the most important data descriptions on each occupation.

   2)  O*NET 98 Viewer User's Guide (available on CD-ROM package, in printed version and pdf file). A Handbook that accompanies the Viewer, explaining its functions and usage.

   3)  O*NET 98 Database (available on CD-ROM package, Diskettes and Internet download). A fully automated, relational database linking 23 individual tables that fall into four categories:

   • Data tables that contain the statistics associated with variables in the database.

   • Descriptive tables that explain the O*NET Content Model (the organizing framework of O*NET); the Data Dictionary containing the definition, description, and location of each variable; and the different scale types.

   • Occupation-related tables that display information on occupation-specific tasks and descriptions.

   • Crosswalk files that link O*NET Codes and Titles to eight other occupation classification systems.

   The data in O*NET 98 was developed by occupational analysts using various sources, primarily the Dictionary of Occupational Titles.

   4)  O*NET 98 Data Dictionary (available on CD-ROM package, in printed version and Internet download). The primary source of documentation for the O*NET 98 Database, giving the definition, location and coding for each variable in the Database.

   The files on the attached O*NET 98 CD-ROM can be copied freely within your organization. In addition, links to the order form and free download versions of the four main tools described above are available on the O*NET home page at: http://www.doleta.gov/programs/onet/. To order additional copies of the O*NET  98 CD-ROM or to purchase O*NET 98 products on diskette or in print, you may use the attached order form. It is important to note that the Network version of the O*NET 98 Viewer is available on the O*NET 98 CD-ROM only.

   For additional information regarding the O*NET project, visit our web site at: http://www.doleta.gov/programs/onet/

4. Action Required. Please share this TEIN and attachments with individuals within your organization that use the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (DOT) or other occupational information. You may copy files on the attached CD-ROM freely. It is important that all employment and training programs that use the DOT are aware of the opportunity to review and use O*NET 98 in preparation for the formal replacement of the DOT in the 21^st century.

5. Inquiries. Direct inquiries to: the O*NET Project, 200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room N5636, Washington, DC 20210; E-mail: O*NET@DOLETA.GOV;

   Fax: (202) 219-9186. Direct telephone inquiries to: Sherril Hurd, tele: (202) 219-7161 ext. 102.

6. Attachments. O*NET 98 CD-ROM and GPO Order Form for O*NET 98 products.

NOTE: Attachments not available to DMS