Safety, durability, and maintenance costs should be considered when purchasing playground equipment. Other factors that affect equipment choice are the ages of the children using the playground, whether the playground will double as a public park, and whether the equipment is expandable. (MLF)

Suggestions for the design, installation, and operation of laboratory fume hoods are listed. (RH)

Criteria for selecting administrative computer hardware are provided. (MCG)

Eight criteria for evaluating microcomputer software are discussed: ability to perform specified tasks, ease of operation, vendor stability, other users' reports, speed of operation, ease of configuration, support from supplier, and quality of documentation. Secondary criteria (e.g., adaptability, expansion potential, security, environment…

Summarizes the current status of laser printers in terms of cost, hardware and software requirements, measurement and operational considerations, ease of use, and maintenance. The cost effectiveness of laser printing in libraries for applications such as spine labels, purchase orders, and reports, is explored. (9 notes with references) (CLB)

Independent laboratories have tested insulating aluminum glass framing systems, and several manufacturers have recently published test results for their systems. (Author)

Provides a guide to the selection of safe and appropriate playground equipment for day care centers. Stresses the need for developmental appropriateness, careful choice of equipment, and adequate supervision. (SKC)

Presents an evaluation form that library media specialists, teachers, and students can use to rate their school library media center. (WD)

Discusses ways that educational institutions can develop and manage a realistic media equipment budget. (FL)

Carpeting helps prevent falls, absorbs sound, reduces fatigue, and adds warmth to a school environment. New technologies make carpet more stain- and wear-resistant than it was only a few years ago. (MLF)

Three hearing aid manufacturers provided custom full-shell in-the-ear hearing aids designed for maximum acoustic gain for each of three hearing-impaired adults. Full-on coupler gain curves were similar across all nine hearing aids, with individual differences producing substantial variance in insertion gain across hearing aids. (Author/DB)

New "supermicros," extremely powerful microcomputers, may take the place of minicomputers in college administration. The differences between the two types of computers are explained and suggestions are offered for what and when to buy. (MLF)

Describes new audio alarm systems, their installation requirements, and advantages. (MLF)

Presents guidelines for utilization, evaluation, selection, and acquisition of CRT terminals for library technical processing systems. An evaluation of the institution's needs is followed by a description of a three-step process of assembling information from advertisements and literature, direct observation and use, and talking to other users of…

Examines the problems in selecting a microcomputer and offers some suggestions on equipment and on procedures to follow in making a decision. (IRT)