Discusses three steps to successful window installation during a building project: the decision-making and design process, clear documentation of requirements, and conscientious construction. (EV)

Describes how a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS), a centralized maintenance operations database that facilitates work order procedures and staff directives, can help individual school campuses and school districts to manage maintenance. Presents the benefits of CMMS and things to consider in CMMS selection. (EV)

This article reviews laptop computers from under $1000 to over $3500 in terms of appropriateness for disabled students. Software compatability, price of add-ons, speed, memory and memory expansion options, screen, keyboard battery and disk drive features, and ease of attachment to printers and other computers are discussed as selection factors.…

Recent events in Florida, California, and other states suggest that school equipment purchasing is fraught with scandal and risk. This article recommends putting district policies in writing, carefully selecting bidders, timing bids to avoid peak periods, and resisting personalized incentives. Sidebars detail model purchasing guidelines and…

Provides suggestions for the purchase of equipment and materials through early childhood catalogs. Suggestions concern reading catalogs; keeping careful records; deciding on backordering; being aware of shipping charges; checking for damage; and expecting satisfaction. Lists ordering information for 15 early childhood catalog companies. (RJC)

Lists 10 tips on successful buying from early childhood catalogs. Tips concern current catalogs, quantity discounts, price comparison, cooperative or consortium purchases, competitive bids, protection of credit, sources for ordering, service, availability, and the best time to place orders. (RJC)

Meaningful public procurement and inventory management automation encompasses all purchasing and materials management processes, including bidder selection; bidder responsiveness tracking; preparation of bid solicitations; bid tabulation; the tracking of requisitions, bid solicitations, and deliveries; and item purchasing history reports. (MLH)

A study was conducted to determine the relationship between prepurchase search behavior and postpurchase satisfaction with carpeting. It was found that respondents who purchased carpets with greater store search were more satisfied than those who relied upon magazine and newspaper advertisements. (JOW)

The first section discusses two common styles of microcomputer consulting, when each is appropriate in libraries, and the dangers of using one type. The second section focuses on types of vaporware, the effects of each, and steps to minimize potential damage. A bibliography of this quarter's literature watch on microcomputer hardware and software…

Provides guidelines for selecting courseware and getting the best price. Lists periodicals that review computer software for remedial instruction and for improving a computer's communication ability or productivity; the kinds of information provided in software catalogs; courseware distributors; and types of available discounts. (MAB)

"Power Tools--Design and Application" (Furtaw) looks at differences between professional and ordinary consumer tools. "Low Budget Laser Printing Solutions" (Dose) gives graphic arts instructors tips on purchasing equipment for high quality output. (SK)

To reduce the chance of buying computer lemons, school system purchasing offices should devise and issue their own specifications for prospective vendors. Specs should include both general and specific requirements for microcomputers, drives, and monitors; maintenance and repair services; and delivery and performance testing. A sidebar outlines…

Discusses how some college maintenance managers are getting the most out of their tight maintenance budgets. Examples of cost-cutting measures are provided, including comparative shopping for cleaning chemicals, eliminating duplicate maintenance services for auxilliary units, motivating maintenance staff and employing students, and saving money…

Discusses academic procurement of technology, composed of smaller purchases for individual departments, versus administrative procurement, composed of larger investments with organizational impact. Topics include deciding what and when to buy, choosing vendors, finding funds, and organizing for purchasing. (LRW)

Findings of an empirical study that compared individuals' attitudes and intentions to shop using print and Internet catalogs suggest that individuals perceived differences between the two catalog media on the shopping factors of reliability, tangibility, and consumer risk. Product value, pre-order information, post-selection information, shopping…