Examines the setup of American University's electronic procurement system and explains how it works and the benefits it brings to the school. Cautionary advice on setting up an online purchasing system is also offered. (GR)

Presents advice from interior designers on purchasing, arranging, and maintaining lounge furniture on educational facilities. (GR)

Offers advice on choosing between carpet or vinyl tile (VCT) for college buildings, including issues such as maintenance, acoustics, safety, and aesthetics. (EV)

Explains the benefits of e-procurement (ordering supplies through computer networks) and discusses what colleges should look for when choosing a service provider. (EV)

Provides advice from university administrators and manufacturers on door purchasing, installation, and maintenance. Highlights door manufacturing companies and selected products. (GR)

Presents lists of over 1300 companies and more than 250 products and services available solely to colleges and universities. Company sites and contact information are listed along with in-depth looks at products and services offered and details for free information. (GR)

Shares tips for making the right purchases of furniture for college residence halls, including issues of durability, aesthetics, flexibility and floor space, and delivery. (EV)

Presents comprehensive lists of educational facilities products, services, and suppliers. Includes a product index, suppliers list and directory, product showcase, and free literature information. (EV)

Discusses key planning tips prior to purchasing computer-lab furniture to help ensure the furniture is stylish yet able to deliver efficient, cost-effective technology support. Discusses one school's solutions to wire management and finding furniture that was durable, easy to maintain, and competitively priced. (GR)

Discusses how athletic facility directors can select the right sports surface material and design for their facilities. Several flooring surface characteristics are highlighted. (GR)

Examines how San Diego State University uses computers to cut purchasing costs and boost efficiency and whether their solution can work for other business-to-business needs. How the school developed the totally self-sustaining, on-line and on-time purchasing system is discussed, including solutions to start-up problems. (GR)

Explores the purchasing trends in residence hall furniture toward more durability but with a feel for home that better satisfies students' preferences while not being overly expensive. Tips on furniture purchasing are highlighted that include warranty considerations, student input, and customizing contracts. (GR)

Presents tips from experienced facility professionals for the purchase, installation, and maintenance of flooring and carpet. (EV)

Discusses the benefits of rubber flooring for college fitness areas and what to look for when buying it. Money-saving tips when selecting rubber flooring are discussed. (GR)

Provides tips for expanding a school's card access system and making it more productive for all concerned. Tips include the use of electronic locks for better security; the need for state-of-the-art card reader system to save money in the long run; selecting vendors to one that manufactures, installs, and supports the card system; and having…