Using introspection for access to class resource bundle information for the display and update of pairs of related graphical user interface ("GUI") panels. In preferred embodiments, a Java resource bundle is provided with a first array containing pairs of key strings and corresponding text blocks and a second array containing pairs of key strings and corresponding text blocks, with the first key identifying a list entry and the second key identifying the text block corresponding to the list entry. This data structure may be used in the display of a pair of GUI panels, representing for example a list of help topics where the help text corresponds to a selected help topic. By introspecting, a mouse listener can efficiently find and display the help text corresponding to a topic selected by a mouse click; furthermore, the resource bundle can be updated without rebuilding the software accessing it.