Discusses books that are out of print (OP) and out of stock indefinitely (OSI) from the perspectives of librarians, vendors, and publishers. Highlights include reprints; paperbacks versus hardcovers; differences between publishers' marketing practices and libraries' selection, acquisition, and ordering procedures; and education for librarians to…

Fifteen students, age 13-21, with moderate to profound mental retardation received shopping skills training in either 1 or 3 department stores. A study of operational behaviors, social behaviors, number of settings in which criterion performance was achieved, and number of sessions required to achieve criterion found no significant differences…

Data from Canada's Survey of Family Expenditures were analyzed using a time allocation model. Results confirm that having young children causes families to spend more income on home production and less on leisure. Market goods expenditures increase and women's home production decreases as children age. (SK)

Reports results of the 1994 Automated System Marketplace survey based on responses from 60 vendors. Highlights include changes in the library automation marketplace; estimated library systems revenues; minicomputer and microcomputer-based systems; marketplace trends; global markets and mergers; research needs; new purchase processes; and profiles…

Lists 27 suggestions for making cost-effective decisions when buying personal computers. Topics covered include physical comfort; modem speed; color graphics; institutional discounts; direct-order firms; brand names; replacing versus upgrading; expanding hard disk capacity; printers; software; wants versus needs; and RLIN (Research Libraries…

Tips on purchasing wheelchairs are offered to parents. Selection considerations such as weight, transporting, folding, lift and school bus accessibility, maintenance, and power supply needs are considered, as are features impacting comfort and therapeutic appropriateness. Roles of dealers, therapists, other parents, and wheelchair manufacturers in…

Interviews with 190 participants in Money Sense--a financial management education program based on the "master volunteer" approach--showed that the program taught them food shopping and money management skills and helped save money on food costs. Most experienced fewer financial problems and perceived their financial status as improved.…

Examines the decision-making factors when selecting school flooring. Areas to consider include what the area being covered is used for and the flooring's life-cycle costing. Suggestions on the types of flooring to consider are offered, as are tips on buying flooring made of recycled materials, and considerations for making the best overall…

Discusses computer vendors who position themselves as value-added resellers to benefit school library media specialists by assisting them in purchasing effective and appropriate technology products and services. Explains the benefits of developing a good relationship with a vendor, even if the cost is higher than purchasing through a catalog. (LRW)

To address the problem of outdated vendor catalogs, Edmonton (Alberta) Public Schools created a view-only online shopping mall that evolved into an electronic shopping program. Buyers can use credit cards for some transactions and cost coding for others. They can also sell unwanted items online. (MLH)

Several districts in Lower Hudson Valley region of New York decided to study cost savings of using software purchasing program versus other methods by conducting same bids at approximately the same time. The study reports, analyzes, and summarizes bids conducted during the 1992-93 and the 1993-94 school years and concludes that using the…

Examines the factors involved in purchasing school furnishings that will help ensure its long-time use, safety, and ability to resist abuse. Cost and safety factors discussed include resisting trendy colors to reduce cost in furniture matching, managing computer and office wiring for safety, considering ergonomics in the purchasing decision, and…

Examines school fire-prevention and emergency-response systems. Advises how administrators can help to protect lives and property, and select the detection and alarm systems that can provide the best protection. Discusses types of extinguishing systems to consider. Provides advice for stopping arson, (GR)

In the current industry-driven educational climate, resources are produced, marketed, and subsequently understood to be synonymous with "balanced literacy." This article critically examines various programs currently in wide use to demonstrate this occurrence. The examination specifically provides examples of how the appropriation and…

Under IC 21-10-3, the Indiana State Board of Education is required to submit a report by November 1st of each year to the state superintendent, governor, and Indiana General Assembly concerning: (1) Consolidated purchasing agreements by school corporations, charter schools, or by Education Service Centers (ESCs) on behalf of member school…