The pervasive financial difficulties that have besieged thousands of schools and universities for several budget cycles have forced administrators to look deeper and harder for places where they can find savings and minimize the damage done to educational quality. Many of the steps schools and universities have taken in the past to trim expenses…

Discusses the many factors schools and universities should consider when purchasing furniture, including its impact on the learning environment. (EV)

Discusses key factors to consider when selecting furniture for offices and other administrative areas, including flexibility, ergonomics, aesthetics, and cost. Includes a sidebar on dealing with bulky wiring at computer workstations. (EV)

Discusses how schools and universities are turning to the Internet to improve business and facilities operations. The use of websites to help institutions manage most or all of the purchasing process and the Internet services targeting education are described. (GR)

Discusses security requirement needs when selecting windows and doors for schools. Issues addressed include key and lock management, window sturdiness, and emergency exiting. (GR)

Examines Clark County Nevada school district's furniture purchasing strategy to buy classroom furniture that will last, is flexible, and is appropriate for the students using it. Replacing furniture with the least disruption to their schools' routine is highlighted. (GR)

Describes how, as is the case with the desks they purchase, schools should choose other furnishings such as computer workstations by balancing aesthetics, architects' recommendations, staff preferences, durability, flexibility, and cost. (EV)

Discusses school furniture flexibility that can accommodate changing instructional styles, a diverse student characteristics, and classroom technology demands. Characteristics to look for that can enhance a chair's ergonomics are highlighted along with tips for better furniture budgeting.(GR)

Discusses the factors that educational facilities managers must consider when selecting doors and windows for their buildings. These include finding a balance in terms of security, energy efficiency, accessibility, aesthetics, and durability; cleaning and maintenance; and noise issues. (EV)

Explains how furniture selection for residence halls depends on the space available, the function it is intended to serve, and the types of students who live there. Discusses the creation of a home-like atmosphere, including instituting regulations that let students supply some of their own furniture. (GR)

Explores how, tempered by the collapse of the dot-com boom, education institutions are taking a more guarded approach to moving their purchasing operations online; however, those who have moved to such systems have found less bureaucracy, more efficiency, and better prices. (EV)