Traces the history of ways in which publishers of abstracts journals have provided readers with serial print products, the development of searchable products manipulated by the purchaser, and the economic impact of such products on the publisher. The discussion also covers major improvements needed in online searching systems. (CLB)

Seven reasons for reading pedagogical materials to improve instruction are outlined, advice on how the reading can be used most effectively is given, and appropriate readings are recommended. (MSE)

A review of research on teaching social skills to severely handicapped persons discusses training procedures, domain, generalization, maintenance, cost efficiency, reliability, social interaction partners, social validation, research design, and simulation. Evaluation of nine studies affirms that severely handicapped persons can learn to interact…

Describes the use of several CD-ROM products to provide access to reference sources in a large academic research library. Equipment and staffing problems and solutions, user reaction, and the impact of optical technologies on the library's fee-based searching service and planning for the future are discussed. (3 references) (Author/CLB)

Describes Information on Demand, an information broker that provides database and manual research on a fee for service basis, and accesses more than a dozen online systems. Relative strengths and weaknesses of particular systems and the criteria used to select databases and online vendors are identified and discussed. (CLB)

The fact that colleges are providing a rich environment for learning at a relatively low annual fee should be enough evidence of their commitment to good management to satisfy the public and the Department of Education in its demand for efficiency in higher education. (MSE)

Examines a number of issues facing the Australian library and information services community in the area of continuing education, including recommendations of the Library Association of Australia, the cost of continuing education activities, the role and responsibility of schools of library and information studies, and notions of coordination.…

Describes the Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC), a national information network in the field of education. Printed indexes are explained as well as online searching of the ERIC database. Online searching is emphasized, including search strategies, database vendors, cost considerations, gateway services, and CD-ROM versions. (LRW)

Describes the objectives, development, and implementation of a professional continuing education program for academic library personnel. The program is evaluated in terms of staff response to various activities, director support, cost considerations, and overall effectiveness. (CLB)

The decision to operate or engage contractors for college food services should be based on consideration of quality, contractors' fees for services, food service staff wages, food service director's salary, potential for union activities under a contractor, and governing board or state regulations. (MSE)

Compares the features, learning outcomes tested, reliability, viability, and cost effectiveness of essay tests with those of interpretive tests used in training programs. A case study illustrating how an essay test was converted to an interpretive test and pilot tested is included to illustrate the advantages of interpretive testing. (MBR)

Following a literature review, this article analyzes the financial impact of credits for experiential learning on a major midwestern university. Both students and the institution appear to have benefited economically. Questions are raised concerning who should benefit from publicly supported education--students, society, or all three. Includes 28…

Discusses the fallacy in the Procrustean approach of fitting reading instruction to reading theory. (FL)

While many U.S. corporate employers take their employees' education seriously and offer tuition benefit programs, few employees use them, presumably because of lack of interest among older workers, poor employee self-image, lack of time or funds for related costs, red tape, and lack of counseling. (MSE)

The cost of extending teacher education to include a fifth year would be six billion dollars annually, and there is no evidence that extended programs produce more effective teachers. (Author/MSE)