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)

Steps for developing a program to compute peak blood alcohol levels are offered. A review of the Diet Inventory Nutritional Experiences (DINE) System explores a computerized nutrition program. (DF)

Beginning on the cover, this article suggests school administrators can reduce paperwork burdens by using personal computers along with general software programs. Describes general programs--such as word processing, item bank, electronic worksheet, and database management programs--and discusses their applications and gives tips for buying and…

Six school administrators and computer users give advice on coping with microcomputer software problems. Suggestions include contacting other software users, sampling computer programs or watching software demonstrations before buying, and ensuring adequate program documentation. (RW)

The distributed data processing system at an Indiana school district can be expanded without causing degradation in response time. Microcomputers are used for daily data entries, and to initiate data inquiries to the mainframe and to communicate with each other. (MLF)

This article, the third in a series, provides a list of criteria to be used in evaluating administrative software. Some general guidelines are provided, followed by 30 questions that should be asked concerning documentation, input, processing, output, and other areas. (DCS)

Responses to librarians' questions about library microcomputers cover simple applications to be used by staff with little experience, minimizing risk factor, choosing a microcomputer, hardware obsolescence, uses of mainframes and minicomputers, capacity planning for microcomputers, security of library's data, copyrighted software, and future use…

A campus computer center at Hofstra University (New York) that holds 70 terminals for student use was first a gymnasium, then a language laboratory. Strands of fiber optics are used for the necessary wiring. (MLF)

Offers thoughts concerning the difficulties school administrators face in choosing microcomputer equipment and software with technology improving so rapidly. General purpose software and specific applications are discussed, and a checklist of 18 questions for administrators to use during initial inquiries about software packages is included. (EJS)

Discusses three options for elementary or secondary schools buying microcomputers, including getting either a single comprehensive unit, several fully expandable units, or units with limited expandability. Notes advantages, disadvantages, and brand-name models available under each option. Presents a chart showing the features needed for six…

Written in simple language and designed in a large-print format, this short guide is aimed at teaching home economics teachers to use computers in their classrooms. The guide is organized in six sections. The first section covers the basics of computer equipment and explains how computers work while the second section outlines how to use…

How a small Missouri school district developed a plan for computer use within the district and found funding sources to purchase both hardware and software. (MLF)

Argues that the telecommunications field has specific computer applications; therefore courses on how to use computer programs for audience analysis, station accounting, newswriting, etc., should be included in the telecommunications curriculum. (PD)

A Minnesota school district uses microcomputers for many functions including a copier control system and an energy management system. (MLF)

First of a series of articles that focus on the use of the microcomputer as a tool in school management. Discusses the existing use of microcomputers in the school business office. (Author/MLF)