Objective: To extend findings from experimental price elasticity studies by examining these effects in a field setting and identifying gender differences in purchasing behaviour in response to variations in the cost of lower energy-dense (ED) and higher ED foods. Setting: Data were collected from low- and median-income male and female grocery…

How to best decide when it's time to replace your PC, whether at home or at work, is always tricky. Spending on computers can make you more productive, but it's money you otherwise cannot spend, invest or save, and faster systems always await you in the future. What is clear is that the computer industry really wants you to buy, and the computer…

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…

Discusses factors to be considered when deciding whether to buy typewriters, terminals, or microcomputers for the school typing room. Factors include (1) objectives of the typewriting program, (2) market needs, (3) student learning methods, (4) costs, and (5) instructional materials. (CH)

Examines Britain's National Standards Development Programme and assesses the development of National Vocational Qualifications in the purchasing and supply field. (SK)

Discusses advantages of monitors (television sets without circuitry to receive pictures off the air; in consumer electronics, term refers to units with or without speakers and/or with or without tuners), noting resolution (details of picture measured in lines), audio possibilities, and industrial/educational monitors. Examples of currently…

Details distinction between digital and analog data, advantages of analog storage, and optical disc use to store analog data. Configuration and potential of three levels of laser disc systems are explained. Selection of display devices for use with laser disc systems and accessing audio data are addressed. (Continued in next issue.) (EJS)

This annual review article examines the automated library system marketplace from four perspectives: turnkey circulation systems, library-developed software which may be purchased by other libraries, the microcomputer segment of market, and production of COM catalogs. Addresses of 86 turnkey vendors, software vendors, library-developed systems,…

Descriptions of available microcomputer software cover basic software, word processing, database management systems, in-house information retrieval, searching of external online information retrieval systems, in-house library housekeeping, and financial and management software. Checklist of points to consider when acquiring software, 36…

The author discusses current uses of computers in adult basic skills instruction. Compares three primary systems available for purchase in adult literacy instruction: (1) Programmed Logic for Automatic Teaching Operations (PLATO), (2) Computer Curriculum Corporation (CCC), and (3) Principle of the Alphabet Literacy System (PALS). Presents…

Defines criteria applicable to implementation of end-user online searching service in academic education library (ease of use, flexibility, administrative ease, security, compatibility with available equipment) and describes systems in four categories--software (front ends, downloaded subsets), gateways, user friendly vendors, and straight vendor…

Provides information on how video projection systems work and criteria and standards necessary for evaluating choices available. Types of television systems, telecommunications changes, and impact of television projection are discussed. A 54-item bibliography and survey of 9 systems are included. (American Library Association, 50 East Huron…

Discusses features of online library catalogs and their cost characteristics, including financial management and planning (hardware and software options, turnkey vendors); approaches to cost analysis (actual experiences, building blocks); baseline estimates for two average academic libraries; and vendor estimates. Forty-five references and a…

Discusses evaluation of microcomputer courseware for school libraries, noting the evaluation process (selecting evaluation instrument, selecting and obtaining courseware for review), and steps of the evaluation program. Sources of evaluation instruments and courseware reviews, and evaluation forms of California Library Media Consortium for…

Discusses selection of appropriate instructional media and purchase of required equipment to be used in school library media centers. Writing specifications for desired equipment, bidding procedures, types of equipment (video, graphic production, microcomputers), guidelines to selection, and evaluation of choices are highlighted. A list of…