World-Wide Web-based instruction (WBI) has become a powerful tool in recent years. However, WBI utilizing a constructivist theoretical framework has not been explored. A database-driven WBI is the solution for this implementation. Another critical issue is the difficulty encountered in creating, editing, and maintaining WBIs, particularly for…

This paper examines general systems theory as it applies to higher education institutions. Using this approach, the university is viewed as a system (comprised of subsystems) that interacts with the external environment. The first sections of the paper review general systems theory and its application to management, and examine some theoretical…

The technique of scanning the college environment (on economic, social, technological, and political dimensions for strategic planning purposes) can help identify crucial issues, formulate goals, increase intrainstitutional understanding, and open opportunities. Internal and external communication will be increasingly important in higher education…

A series of 12 articles on managing leisure services focuses on the aspects of: (1) cooperative goal structuring; (2) management by objectives; (3) designing organizational charts; (4) labor relations; (5) cost effectiveness analysis; (6) fund accounting; (7) employee selection; (8) developing a marketing strategy; and (9) equitable distribution…

Illuminates the changes and consistencies in the management system of Tarrant County Junior Colleges during the 12-year history of this multicampus institution. Emphasizes the organization of central administration, the college communication and records system, college stores, and the Centralized Service Center. Underscores adaptability as…

New technology promises to ease the work load to meet the requirements of the federal No Child Left Behind Act and set the stage for easier and more comprehensive data analysis and subsequent changes to instruction. A sidebar lists data resources. (MLF)

Provides a checklist of considerations for installing document image processing with an electronic document management system. Other topics include scanning; indexing; the image file life cycle; benefits of imaging; document-driven workflow; and planning for workplace changes like postsorting, creating a scanning room, redeveloping job tasks and…

Recent experiences of manufacturing and commercial service industries provide insights to college facilities managers for combining downsizing with quality improvement. The Service Excellence Model emphasizes creation of shared responsibility, focus on core service processes, empowerment of cross-functional process-improvement teams, performance…

Discusses the concept of the learning organization contained in Peter Senge's text, "The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization," and how it applies to schools. The school library information professional's potential role as a practitioner of systems thinking, which Senge defines as the fifth discipline, is…

Explain's Duke University Library's change from a hierarchical management structure to one of self-managing teams developed within a total quality management (TQM) framework. Emphasizes the personal views and experiences of a manager responsible for implementing and guiding the process of change. (JKP)

A survey of 160 colleges and universities at various stages of total quality management implementation found 5 key challenges to successful implementation: changes in organizational culture, obtaining senior leadership commitment, gaining faculty support, finding implementation time in already busy schedules, and cost and time required for staff…

Discusses reference management software that is used for the storage and retrieval of bibliographic and text files on personal computers. Uses in health sciences are reviewed, selection criteria are discussed, needs assessment is described, guidelines for selecting appropriate software are presented, and a list of software products is included.…

Describes a variety of technological advancements being used at the library of the American Foundation for the Blind to make library operations and services accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired. The database management system INMAGIC is explained, and sidebars describe various other technologies. (LRW)

BUDCAT/MEDIT software mounted on Digital Equipment Corporation VAX equipment at the University of Saskatchewan Library has proven to be effective for rapidly creating a database for the collection of government publications. Simplified records and the ease of using this system have made it possible to create a database with only minimal additional…

The market environment for higher education is being shaped by developments in technology, business practices, partnerships between education and industry, and adoption of Total Quality Management principles. Shrewd college administrators will combine competitiveness and cooperation to maintain or enhance their institutions' distinctiveness in the…