It is all about serving the customer. That is how capitalism plays out. It finds a market need and then creates a product or service to address that need. The Baby Boomer generation, all 76 million, will be retiring soon. Eventually, some may find it very hard to move about and do their routine food shopping. In this article, the author's…

Describes the present computer-managed textbook program in Alachua County, Florida. Compares the present procedures for ordering, distributing, and accounting with those that were necessary before the advent of the computer. (Author/WM)

A purchase order variable format in support of computerized book ordering/acquisitions process is proposed for libraries and vendors by Subcommittee U, Computerized Ordering of Books, and National Information Standards Organization. General format structure, record content, generalized schematic, examples, and descriptions of data elements are…

Beginning on the cover, this article suggests school administrators can reduce paperwork burdens by using personal computers along with general software programs. Describes general programs--such as word processing, item bank, electronic worksheet, and database management programs--and discusses their applications and gives tips for buying and…

Six school administrators and computer users give advice on coping with microcomputer software problems. Suggestions include contacting other software users, sampling computer programs or watching software demonstrations before buying, and ensuring adequate program documentation. (RW)

Among other services, the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory contracts with local school districts, state departments of education, social service agencies, colleges, universities, and other organizations to provide roughly 90 third-party evaluations per year of projects funded through such sources as Elementary and Secondary Education Act…

Presents the concept of a total Media Management System which is cost-effective, time saving, and functional. This system is able to preview and evaluate audiovisual materials, designate materials as having been acquired, and catalog, book, and distribute them. Examples illustrating computer output for several of the tasks discussed are included.…

Discusses three options for elementary or secondary schools buying microcomputers, including getting either a single comprehensive unit, several fully expandable units, or units with limited expandability. Notes advantages, disadvantages, and brand-name models available under each option. Presents a chart showing the features needed for six…

This seven-chapter publication was designed to assist administrators, architects, and engineers in understanding the functions of microprocessor-based energy management systems. The information provided can be used by these individuals to develop an energy management project, select the proper system, and accurately install the system to fit…

Purchasing an inhouse computer system does not have to be a nightmare if you are aware of the obstacles and know how to overcome them. (Author/JM)

Describes the increasing trend of incorporating electronic commerce methods to purchasing systems at colleges and universities. Provides examples from the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University (Massachusetts), California State University at Fullerton, and the University of California at Los Angeles. (DB)

Describes an Internet auction model achieving verifiable fairness, a requirement aimed at enhancing the trust of bidders in auctioneers. Analysis results demonstrate that the proposed model satisfies various requirements regarding fairness and privacy. Moreover, in the proposed model, the losing bids remain sealed. (Author/AEF)

Describes uses of the microcomputer by Instant Information, Inc., highlighting administrative tasks (accounting, correspondence, file maintenance) and microcomputer's ability to act as dumb terminal in information retrieval. Software selection, the company's computer program "Instantcom" which supports communication and retrieval, and…

Documentation of author's personal experience in the purchasing of a microcomputer discusses background learning, the purchase decision, needs assessment, computer literacy, general information on microcomputers, the situation assessment, and the final check. (EJS)