Proper humidification can help reduce absenteeism and the spread of upper respiratory infection. (Author/MLF)

Characterizes the situation regarding the Gaelic language in Great Britain today, and sketches, by means of examples, some characteristic differences between Gaelic and English, pointing out also certain peculiarities in the field of area studies. (IFS/WGA)

Advice on how a college physical plant director can improve his/her department. (MLF)

A systematic roof maintenance program is characterized by carefully prepared long- and short-range plans. An essential feature of a systematic approach to roof maintenance is the stress on preventive measures rather than the patching of leaks. (Author)

Discusses issues involved in outsourcing school maintenance and custodial services. There are many advantages to this approach, but it has definite drawbacks. In many instances, a combination of contract and employee services works well. (SLD)

Describes how the LaPorte Independent School District in Texas turned to ultraviolent light devices installed within the HVAC system to combat mold and fungus after conventional approaches failed. Describes the additional benefits of energy savings from the system. (EV)

Discusses the benefits of a preventive maintenance program for a school's building envelope, especially roofing, including avoiding a crisis-management mentality and gaining greater control over time and finances. (EV)

Describes the professional mold remediation process that was performed at Lane Community College in Oregon. (EV)

Discusses how school restroom cleaning can be simplified by a standardized maintenance procedure. Details sources of odor, steps for spot cleaning and deep cleaning, and cleaning tools such as microfiber wipes and mop heads. (EV)

Asserting that residence hall furniture takes abuse simply through use, discusses a three-part approach--student involvement and education, creating the right environment, and ongoing maintenance--that helps reduce normal wear and tear. (EV)

Discusses the importance of attention to plumbing in college facilities, offering examples from various campuses. Addresses preventive maintenance, technology, and piping materials, including the debate between cast iron and PVC for drain pipes. (EV)

Addresses the protection of computer rooms from water. Sources of water and potentially vulnerable areas in computer rooms are described. Water detection is then discussed, and several detection systems are detailed. Prices and manufacturers' telephone numbers for some of the systems are included. Water cleanup is also briefly considered. (MES)

Discusses the strategic use of staff and the right materials to keep public areas in colleges and universities in the best shape and attract new students. Suggests making public areas a priority in budgeting and examines the various cleaning and maintenance problems that need attention when planning for maintainability. (GR)

Explores the role of the uniform for custodian and maintenance employees and presents e-mail responses to questions concerning the wisdom of using uniforms, whether to purchase or rent them, and the influence of weather on changing uniform requirements. (GR)

States that obtaining informed consent can be an intricate process further complicated by managed care. Reviews the features of informed consent as they apply under managed care and addresses ways to ensure that consent is appropriately delivered under managed care systems. (MKA)