Explains the concept of Public Lending Right (PLR), which provides for payments to authors based on the circulation of their books by public libraries, and describes the British experience with PLR since 1979. Issues involved in PLR and the possibility of its adoption in the United States are also discussed. (MES)

To help industrial arts teachers make decisions about the use of computer programs in classes containing disabled students, critical elements of appropriate computer software are discussed, includingpurpose and objectives, principles of learning, and major software problems. Recommendations are also presented for developing software and joining a…

Answers questions on software copyright pertaining to teacher/media specialist responsibilities, use of purchased and leased software, backup copies, public domain software, warranties, defective goods, and software lending policies. Information on an existing public domain software-exchange program and a policy statement of International Council…

An application of spreadsheets, not specific to any particular spreadsheet, is provided. It provides an exploration involving numbers in the form of 3x3 magic squares and 3x3 magic cubes. Strategies for their use are noted. (MNS)

Four articles discuss library uses of dBase III: (1) an interlibrary loan journal request file; (2) an acquisitions system; (3) customized multi-column output for reports; and (4) a circulation system. Program listings are included. (EM)

Describes a computer-aided design (CAD) system, called VersaCAD, adopted by Indiana University for campus planning. Five drawings illustrate the work accomplished using the CAD. (MLF)

Summarizes advantages and disadvantages of using computer-assisted instruction for library skills instruction and describes seven steps for developing a program for use in an academic library setting: (1) needs assessment; (2) objectives; (3) program language selection; (4) hardware selection; (5) writing the program(s); (6) feedback and…

This brief planning guide for library automation incorporates needs assessment and evaluation of options to meet those needs. A bibliography of materials on automation planning and software reviews, library software directories, and library automation journals is included. (CLB)

Three currently available technologies--telefacsimile, gateway software, and CD-ROM--are defined, and factors to be considered in selecting these technologies for use in public libraries are listed. Seven references are included. (MES)

Compares seven center management programs used for basic financial and data management tasks such as accounting, payroll and attendance records, and mailing lists. Describes three other specialized programs and gives guidelines for selecting the best software for a particular center. (NH)

Establishing a software evaluation committee provides administrators with technical expertise in determining appropriate software. Committee members should include a curriculum expert, a computer expert, and a subject area teacher. (CJH)

Describes an opinion survey distributed to software publishers and software preview centers in which participants ranked suggested criteria for identifying or certifying preview centers, development of center policies and procedures, and the role of schools in the process. A revised survey is included to which readers are encouraged to respond.…

Use of Logo to teach statistical ideas is proposed for students in grades 5-10. Procedures and diagrams are suggested, with program listings for four models for graphs. (MNS)

Four methods of filling a square using programing with Logo are presented, with comments on children's solutions. Analysis of the mathematical or programing concepts underlying a few simple algorithms is the focus. (MNS)

Designing a student database to meet your school's specific recordkeeping and reporting needs is described. Setting up a data file, listing categories, and generating reports are each illustrated. (MNS)