A model is presented in which the division of library resources among competing interests is based upon considerations of economic efficiency. It is argued that allocation decisions should depend upon the prospective usage rate of materials, explicit value judgments about how much such use contributes to the university's goals, and costs. (Author)

An attack on the concept of educational accountability, arguing that teaching is not amenable to cost accounting and that the management concept of accountability, illogically applied to education, which is unproductive in a tangible sense, is a tyrany potentially damanging to society. (JT)

Summary of report on study entitled PLANNING FOR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN A PLANNING, PROGRAMMING AND BUDGETING STSTEM," by Selma Mushkin (Education Commission of the States Steering Committee meeting, December, 1968).

Sixteen Texas projects for handicapped infants participated in a study to determine followup service placement of project graduates and cost of early intervention. Analysis of completed survey forms indicated that an overall success rate for finding children after graduation from a project was 81% of the total attempted. For more than three-fourth…

This study investigates the degree to which relatively low-cost microtechnology devices, e.g., electronic games and calculators, might be considered as aids to learning in the classroom situation. A brief discussion includes an overview of the research that has been done on the use of calculators as learning devices and examples of criticisms of…

This paper examines some of the questions to be answered and some of the problems to be faced if the widespread application of technology in education is ever to be achieved. The paper is not a "how-to-do-it" manual for conducting cost-effectiveness studies; rather it is an argument to be used in support of such studies and of the experimentation…

The development of theories to explain decision-making requires a model that identifies the factors relevant to decision-making. Seven sets of explanatory factors--called the "seven analytical A's"--should be analyzed. They include (1) axiological factors, or those related to values; (2) ten axiomatic factors comprising socioeconomic,…

Two papers describe a 3-year project being conducted to evaluate the feasibility of replacing traditional slide-tape materials in a criterion-referenced, modularized, self-paced curriculum in dentistry with color microfiche and audiotapes. The experimental materials are being used with a microfiche-audiotape unit controlled by a microprocessor.…

The primary question posed in this study is whether premium or regular gasoline is more cost effective for the Montgomery County Public School (MCPS) bus fleet, as a whole, when miles-per-gallon, cost-per-gallon, and repair costs associated with mileage are considered. On average, both miles-per-gallon, and repair costs-per-mile favor premium…

This report summarizes the findings of the Computer-Aided Transcription (CAT) Project, which conducted a 14-month study of the technology and use of computer systems for translating into English the shorthand notes taken by court reporters on stenotype machines. Included are the state of the art of CAT at the end of 1980 and anticipated future…

Intended to provide a frame of reference for a symposium on automated aids to instructional design and development (ID), this paper accomplishes three tasks: (1) it outlines problems encountered in ID--e.g., complexity of curriculum planning and instruction development, quality maintenance in the ID process and products, and cost effectiveness--in…

This report presents results of the assessment of economic impacts of a year-round school (YRS) program as it operated in one junior high school and its four feeder elementary schools. Chapter 2 presents the theoretical background of the cost model and Chapter 3 details the model itself. Chapter 4 is the application of the model to the particular…

This report reviews more than 30 studies that have attempted to measure the importance of size economies in the provision of education, with emphasis on the theoretical, methodological, and empirical basis of each. Size economies refer to a system of obtaining optimum use from funds available. The purposes of the report are (1) to determine the…

This essay considers the cost of information retrieval by databases and information centers, and explores the need to charge users for the information supplied. The advantages and disadvantages of three means of charging users are discussed: (1) connnect hour charge, (2) print/type charge, and (3) subscription. Also addressed is the practice of…

THE PAPER DESCRIBES THE NEED FOR A NEW MICROFICHE REDUCTION RATIO TO PROVIDE MORE SATISFACTORY MICROFORMS OF BOOKS AND PERIODICALS FOR LIBRARIES OF THE FUTURE AND URGES ITS CONSIDERATION AND ADOPTION BY THE MICROFILM INDUSTRY. IT DISCUSSES THE CONCEPT OF HAVING ONE MICROFICHE FOR EACH BOOK, AND ITS ADVANTAGES IN USE IN A DISTRIBUTION LIBRARY, OR…