Making furniture decisions can involve many factors, and they vary from institution to institution. For fixtures, furnishings and equipment, comparing initial cost with the cost of ownership over a life cycle can be more challenging. It may be the functionality of the furnishings that provides the greatest return on investment. In this article,…

This report describes a conversion experiment and subsequent reader survey conducted by the American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS) Humanities E-Book (HEB) in late 2009 and early 2010 to assess the viability of using scholarly monographs with handheld e-readers. As sample content, HEB selected six titles from its own online collection, three…

An audiovisual consultant takes a critical look at current practices and shows ways to save money. (Author/MLF)

The study followed up 196 patients of all ages with severe muscular impairment who had been provided with several types of mobility aids (powered wheelchairs, Castor Carts, buggies) over a 3 year period. Of the 138 respondents, 49 were interviewed in their home environment by the evaluation team. A point system was used to quantify the daily use…

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)

This guide in the selection of instructional computer systems compares four systems representing different cost categories in terms of 25 parameters. Costs and benefits of each system are enumerated, and problems associated with cost benefit analysis are discussed. (Author/JEG)

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)

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)

Presents criteria for evaluating a used piano which, complemented by a qualified piano technician's assessment and cost estimates for needed repairs, will allow a music director to decide whether it is more cost-effective to repair or discard the instrument. (Author/SJL)

A look at dishwashers should help budget-conscious administrators decide which equipment is best for their particular food service operation. (Author)

The purpose of this study was to provide an overview of compression devices used to increase the cost effectiveness of teleconferences by reducing satellite bandwidth requirements for the transmission of television pictures and accompanying audio signals. The main body of the report describes the comparison study of compression rates and their…

This paper provides an evaluative framework to clarify the similarities and differences in five purposes for which a computer may be used to aid instruction. Each purpose implies its own method of evaluation and each has a different set of effectiveness measures that highlight its unique value. The first four involve adding new skills or knowledge…

In 1972 there were 33,000 Telex installations in the United Kingdom with 240,000 predicted by 1983. The feasibility of using these Telex systems for on-line accession of computer based information systems was investigated in this report. Comparisons between the Telex system and the Teletypewriter or Teleprinter system now in use reveal that the…

This description of the use of IBM Series/1 minicomputers to implement a library automation system includes discussion of current functions of the system, the system configuration, communications capabilities, software, and cost factors. (CLB)

Describes the components, costs, and capabilities of several desktop publishing systems, and examines their possible impact on work patterns within organizations. The text and graphics of the article were created using various microcomputer software packages. (CLB)