Nine rural school districts in Michigan's Thumb/Saginaw Valley area formed a food service cooperative in 1982-83 that has sucessfully reduced purchasing costs without sacrificing quality. In the cooperative's second year of operation, membership has expanded to 16 systems with a dozen others interested in joining. (JBM)

Provides information on how video projection systems work and criteria and standards necessary for evaluating choices available. Types of television systems, telecommunications changes, and impact of television projection are discussed. A 54-item bibliography and survey of 9 systems are included. (American Library Association, 50 East Huron…

School districts can integrate computers into the curriculum by accounting for the following variables in their planning: (1) revision of district learner goals, (2) adjustments in instructional priorities, (3) selection of hardware and software, (4) staff development needs, (5) expected technological advances, and (6) systematic review of the…

The first in a series of three articles highlighting some of the experiences of the Deptford Township Public Schools (New Jersey) in transforming the business operations from a manual process into a computerized system. Describes procedures for acquiring hardware and software and setting up a district accounting system. (MLF)

Comparison of business serial subscription prices in 1975 and 1981 in three groups--U.S. and Canadian periodicals; periodicals from other countries; and reference services--examines the problem of rapid cost increase in serial renewals, its effects on library collections, and how to deal with resource allocation within the book budget. (EJS)

Offers suggestions about using microcomputers for school administration and lists hidden costs of computerization, including administrator time, consultants, machine maintenance, backup systems, appropriate furniture, insurance, and staff training. (JM)

The intelligent purchase of school office equipment, specifically word processors, typewriters, calculators, and furniture, requires analysis of present needs and a realistic evaluation of future needs. (MLF)

Considers the criteria for purchasing microcomputers, videodisc players, and videotape equipment for use in a school system. Suggests applications of such equipment in English classrooms. (RL)

Presents a study which attempts to link current theory to practical problems of applied communication. The power of coorientational variables is tested and compared with the power of commonly used individual characteristics in predicting the amounts and types of information sought by buyers of cosmetics. (JMF)

A number of microcomputer system characteristics are discussed and recommendations made that will help the educator in selecting a system. (MP)

Presents five steps for establishing an organized plan for selecting and purchasing school library/media center furniture: (1) programming; (2) schematic design; (3) contract documents -- bid specification; (4) formatting price tables; and (5) coordination -- post-award to installation. Sidebar lists name and address of library furniture…

School boards are woefully unprepared to deal with "make or buy" issues, due to massive union efforts to eliminate or restrict board freedom to contract for services. Teachers neither understand nor support a market economy. School boards' contracting out ability will not be secure until favorable legislative options are considered and…

Due to shrinking financial resources accompanied by increased nutritional responsibilities, school food service professionals are employing economies of scale (central kitchens, cooperative purchasing, computerization, and high-tech food preparation equipment) and revenue-expansion opportunities (catering, vending machines, and "a la…

School administrators must make yearly technology decisions, hoping they are spending the public's money wisely and that the new computer systems will benefit their students. This article presents some general (tongue-in-cheek) rules about choosing computer systems, using and modifying software, training staff, and purchasing and upgrading…