Suggestions for schools considering the purchase of word processing equipment are presented. Procedures for selecting equipment include getting information on prices, servicing, warranties, training, speed of printing, and quality of output. Choices to make include brand vs. service, price vs. service, and variety vs. limitations of brands. (CT)

Discussion of the acquisition of small computer systems (microcomputers and software) by libraries for their own use covers the decision-making process, five options available for acquiring software, stand-alone microcomputer packages for library housekeeping, and national bibliographic control of computer software. Twenty-six references are…

With schools facing budget cuts, purchasing managers should drop old habits by shopping around, foregoing the favored vendor, and buying in large quantities with other schools. Describes a cooperative purchasing arrangement available to Iowa schools within the area of the Heartland Area Education Agency. (MLF)

Describes floppy-disk and hard-disk based networks, electronic systems linking microcomputers together for the purpose of sharing peripheral devices, and presents points to remember when shopping for a network. (MBR)

Discusses annual cost and present worth methods as two basic ways of calculating life-cycle cost to make purchasing decisions when replacing training systems. A training cost analysis worksheet to aid in asking comprehensive questions about training costs as they currently exist is included. (MBR)

Suggests sources for reviews of available software, and provides seven guidelines for selecting appropriate software: know your objectives; check on software compatibility and available support; consider brand names first; check evaluations, copying restrictions, and documentation. Suggestions for taking care of software and a discussion of word…

This paper examines the environmental impacts of replacing the Bison, South Dakota School District's elementary and high school heating system consisting of oil-fired boilers, and supporting electrical components with a new coal-fired boiler and supporting control system piping. Various alternative systems are also examined, including purchasing a…

Objective evaluations of whether to repair or replace existing school equipment depend on an equipment inventory, evaluation of equipment suitability, and knowledge of repair possibilities and costs. (MLF)

Overview of activities and issues that face library administrators considering automation emphasizes acquisition of turnkey systems. Discussion covers reasons for automating, options available, major marketplace issues, keys to a successful automation project, the Request for Information, the Request for Proposal, evaluation techniques, the…

Description of features of integrated learning systems (ILS) compares minicomputer- and microcomputer-based systems; provides updated buyers' guide information on networked-microcomputer ILSs, ILS courseware, and minicomputer-based ILSs; and presents educators' opinions of these systems. (MBR)

Recommends that potential educational software purchasers examine publications containing software reviews, become involved in workshops that develop evaluation criteria for technical issues and instructional considerations of educational software, and obtain samples of actual software free of charge for review. Suggested periodicals for software…

Advice on how to find the best software for institutional needs is presented. Purchasing prewritten software, acquiring custom-written software, and improving ready-made software are discussed. Questions to ask before buying software are provided. (MLW)

This article describes how classroom discussion and field trips can be used to teach students with disabilities to engage in comparative shopping and informed choice making when they dine in fast food restaurants. (JDD)

This article describes a functional mathematics activity to help secondary students with mild disabilities develop critical thinking, calculation, and reasoning skills by evaluating the "rent-to-own" option for furnishing an apartment. Suggestions address needed materials, prerequisite skills, procedures, sample worksheets, and modifications. (DB)

Several consultants address the development and use of RFPs (requests for proposals) in the library automation procurement process, including the cost of developing a request; the need to concentrate on overall goals, not just the document; and the usefulness of the request as one step in a broader planning process. (CLB)