The concept of freight pass-through pricing (FPT) as used by booksellers and publishers is explained, noting variations in FPT, recent actions and reactions, FPT pricing and libraries, and recent changes in FPT. (EJS)

Speed, fill rate, and discount are reasons why it is often preferable for libraries to order directly from publishers rather than through a distributor. Nevertheless, some publishers have decided not to accept orders from libraries and schools. This has had a deleterious effect on libraries and library collections. (MES)

Discusses actions of American Library Association's Ad Hoc Committee on Publishers' Trade Discounts on the "Resolution concerning Discounts Received by Public Libraries from Trade Publishers," highlighting libraries' portion of annual book sales, ordering practices, and legal questions. (EJS)

Imagine not knowing who Muggles are or how the Dewey decimal system works? Well, it is akin to being left in the dark about kids' technology needs. That is why the U.S. Department of Education (DOE) is in the process of gathering student opinion as it prepares for the upcoming release of its national educational technology plan. The hope is that…

Children's trade books are examined for both their explicit and implicit approaches to consumer education. (53 references) (Author)

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…

Pointing out that quality large-screen television projection, although it may be satisfactory, is still inferior to that of 16mm film, this article describes the characteristics, costs, advantages, and disadvantages of different types of systems. Specific models of each type are mentioned. (CHC)

Lists 44 audiovisual programs (most released between 1983 and 1984) grouped in seven categories: computers in society, introduction to computers, computer operations, languages and programing, computer graphics, robotics, computer careers. Excerpts from "School Library Journal" reviews, price, and intended grade level are included. Names…

Argues that librarians who wish to build effective video collections need to know what is available and negotiate with distributors for multiple copies and lower prices. Purchasing practices of a school system and a public library are described, including adherence to copyright law. Duplication rights and off-air taping are explained. (EM)

Media specialists and teachers spend an estimated $1.4 billion annually on nonfiction titles. And even though most librarians, like Shirley Morand of New Richmond High School in Ohio, expect budget cuts this academic year, they still plan to dish out a sizable chunk of money on books that support students' textbooks, according to School Library…

This review of young adult paperback publishing covers original paperback romances, romance series, standard series novels, sex in series fiction, and review media. Prominent publishers, popular titles, and sources for paperback reviews are mentioned, and selection of materials for the library collection is discussed. (EJS)

Describes use of telephone sales as marketing tool for sale of materials from publishing industry to children's libraries. Nine guidelines designed to protect consumers, overall reactions of librarians who have purchased goods and services by telephone, and sources of free and inexpensive information on telemarketing are included. Ten references…

Describes programs developed at Houston Public Library to meet information needs of the immigrant population. Highlights include serving students, children's and young adult collections of foreign language materials, folklore and cultural materials, developing staff expertise, English-language materials, audiovisual support materials, and foreign…

Lists 36 directories and additional sources for the purchasing of educational microcomputer software and review journals to aid in selecting best title from among many possibilities listed in directories. Addresses and price information are included. (EJS)

This 5-article section provides an annotated bibliography of 39 books about computer technology; describes peripheral equipment essential for building computer systems; suggests an approach to software evaluation and selection; describes the implementation of a computer program for elementary/secondary students and teachers; and reviews 34…