Description of the components of expert systems highlights their potential uses in the field of instructional design. Uses of expert systems are described for determining the cost-effectiveness of instructional media; as instructional management aids; as job aids; in helping to diagnose student problems; and as student feedback/evaluation systems.…

Study of 843 children under 36 months of age enrolled in a prepaid health plan from September 1985 through March 1986 revealed an increased incidence of illness in children attending day care centers, but not day care homes. The number of other children in the room is the major risk factor in a child care setting. (BJV)

School districts are being asked to provide expanded variety and quality of educational services with fewer tax dollars. Discusses the search for accountability, productivity, quality, and equity in education and alerts school business officials to the problems and conflicts inherent in such a search. (MLF)

Inspired by Lewis Perelman's vision, this article summarizes needed transformative changes, such as preparing teachers for new technologies, committing additional human and financial resources, educating the public, establishing a business/education partnership, restructuring the curriculum, obtaining federal assistance, and evaluating what works…

Argues that librarians need to be concerned with cost analysis of library functions and services because, in the allocation of resources, decision makers will favor library managers who demonstrate understanding of the relationships between costs and productive outputs. Factors that should be included in a reliable scheme for cost accounting are…

Describes the historical use of assessment centers as staff development and promotional tools and their current use in personnel selection. The elements that constitute a true assessment center are outlined, and a discussion of the advantages and disadvantages for employers and applicants focuses on positions in library administration. (10…

The advent of microcomputers, laser printers, FAX machines, and desktop publishing has brought about an alarming increase in the amount and variation of printing. Coordination between service units is essential to create a coherent set of print choices, pricing options, and policies for the campus as a whole. (MLW)

Describes the competitive bidding process used by California State University to successfully procure integrated library systems for 5 of its 19 campuses during 1 fiscal year. The procurements demonstrated that competitive bidding not only reduces overall cost of library systems, but also allows the buyer to achieve favorable contract provisions.…

Describes 3.5 years' experience using BRS/After Dark and Dialog's Knowledge Index as the main systems of choice in the mediated search service of a department library on a large academic campus. Factors discussed include average use, costs, databases offered, system capabilities, comparisons of the two systems, and limitations of the systems. (13…

Develops a cost methodology to use in deciding location, type of access, and type of shelving to augment existing stacks in the library. Library and user costs are included in the model and cost comparisons between alternative strategies are made. Data from a specific case study are used to illustrate the model. (22 references) (Author/CLB)

Examines the degree of fidelity required of a computer simulation to ensure maximum transfer of training. Simulators used in the military services for training pilots are described; relationships between fidelity, transfer, and cost are explored; and feedback to the student and measures of training effectiveness are discussed. (nine references)…

Using an economic framework, studies on educational costs and related policymaking issues in the area of formal public education in developing countries are reviewed. Key issues include the nature of educational costs, determinants of educational costs, how cost analysis can improve educational policymaking, and informational needs for cost…

The practical advice for the evaluation of laser/optical data disk materials (e.g., CD-ROM) is based on a review of the relevant literature. An evaluation framework is outlined and collection development tools and sources of published reviews are identified. (34 references) (Author/CLB)

The police-school liaison program at Rich East High School, Illinois, helps the school prevent crime and delinquency, educates students and staff members, and provides expert advice to the school. Offers eight tips to set up a police liaison program. (MLF)

Contingent valuation (CV) is used to obtain more complete estimates of the economic value of benefits of preschool education for handicapped children. A general approach for use of CV in cost-benefit analysis of educational programs and use of the CV interview with 80 parents of handicapped preschoolers are described. (SLD)