This essay lists elements of a public service microcomputer project--needs, clientele or population, skill level, type of service, type of equipment, site or location--and identifies a number of options under each heading. Examples illustrating how librarians can use the model in planning a service are noted. (EJS)

Describes relatively new computer software that can be used to maintain, analyze, and report large sets of educational data. The application of two of these packages to problems faced when manipulating educational data is demonstrated, and administrators are provided with information on the evaluation and selection of software products. (MER)

This discussion of the administrative uses of computers from the perspective of the school administrator is concerned with both the types and sources of information involved in school administration, and specific uses of this information. The paper focuses on those administrative tasks that can be effectively computerized in defining the role of…

A framework is provided for planning for and using the Management Information System (MIS) most appropriate to an individual institution. Information needs are considered as part of the overall planning, managerial, evaluation, and inquiry system. Factors affecting MIS development and successful use are addressed. (MSE)

Independent schools should consider installing computerized records management and word processing in development offices for efficiency, cost containment, better service, targeted solicitations, and information availability for decision making. However, an understanding of what can and cannot be accomplished is essential in deciding on computer…

The New York City Public School System has mandated an Integrated Student Data System (ISDS). This integrated system will include data already maintained in independent computerized files, as well as data that have not been computerized in any systematic way. This paper explores general issues about data accuracy for a system that covers all the…

Designed to provide guidelines for the development of computerized student information systems, this report raises policy issues and questions to be resolved at the campus level and describes a variety of computer-generated reports and records that can assist in educational decision making and planning. Introductory material discusses the…

The University of Notre Dame developed the Teaching Activity Report in an effort to present professors with meaningful summaries of their individual instructional efforts each semester. Geared to meet the needs of the individual instructors and their superiors, the Teaching Activity Report synthesizes all facets of the individual's instructional…

Although different in nature from academic activities, college fund raising also requires planning and management. To develop more responsive executive information systems, development officers must take the lead, ask the right questions, and work closely with campus institutional researchers, registrars, enrollment managers, and computer…

Seven potentially useful maxims from the field of human information processing are proposed that may help institutional researchers prepare and present information for higher education decision-makers. The maxims, which are based on research and theory about how people cognitively process information, are as follows: (1) more may not be better;…

In higher education, facilities data are essential for long-term capital and financial planning and for testing assumptions underlying anticipated policy change. Executive information systems should incorporate life-cycle considerations (planning, construction, renovation, and management) and resource linkages (describing interrelationships of…