Because prepayment problems have led to complaints from librarians, the Bookdealer-Library Relations Committee of the American Library Association offers considerations to serve as guidelines in making prepayment decisions. (JPF)

Some advice about what to look for when purchasing band uniforms. (MLF)

By using computer-stored data, acquisitions librarians can have access to vendor, book, and trade information. Tables compiled from such data show delivery times on orders from each Canadian vendor surveyed by publisher type and year. (JAB)

The types of packaging and packaging materials to use for training materials should be determined during the planning of the training programs, according to the packaging market. Five steps to follow in shopping for packaging are presented, along with a list of packaging manufacturers. (MF)

An acquisitions guide listing sources of government documents to aid in selective purchase of materials. (JAB)

Enumerates "hardware problems" associated with use of the IBM personal computer as an online search machine: purchase of machinery, unpacking of parts, and assembly into a properly functioning computer. Components that allow transformations of computer into a search machine (combination boards, printer, modem) and diagnostics software…

This supplement is a comprehensive guide to the music industry designed for music teachers. Included are tips for contacting music businesses and suggestions on ordering music, robes, instruments, computer software, and other supplies. Includes an annotated directory of Music Industry Conference members. (JDH)

This bibliography, prepared with the information specialist, end-user, and administrator in mind, presents citations to 167 journal articles that provide concrete comparisons of commercially-available microcomputer software packages and hardware equipment. An index divided into software and hardware sections with references to type of comparison…

Outlines innovative financing possibilities available to school administrators who need to upgrade buildings and install more up-to-date equipment. One such possibility is the "shared savings" arrangement that allows for purchase of energy saving equipment that is financed by splitting the energy savings between the purchaser and the vendor. (MD)

A field contract is a two-party contractual agreement intended for procuring material and labor from outside contractors. As used in the Burbank California Unified School District, the field contract allows greater flexibility than the formal bidding process. The type of documents and procedures used in the district are included. (MLF)

This detailed look into proper diskette maintenance presents general precautions on temperature, humidity, lifespan, labeling, storage, and disk drive maintenance. The Apple UniDisk 3.5 disk drive is described, tips on purchasing diskettes are presented, and information on specific data retrieval and backup software and diskettes is included. (MBR)

This issue on current options in the area of machine-readable cataloging and retrospective conversion highlights generation and use of machine-readable bibliographic records, editing, standards, online and batch access, keying and coding, full-service cataloging and conversion, interlibrary loan, and authority control. Profiles of 22…

Schools can launch energy conservation programs with simple money-saving measures like improving boiler maintenance, recalibrating utility meters, and obtaining preferred utility rates. Becoming more assertive in the marketplace and using "creative financing" when needed, they can then reinvest their savings in more extensive projects. (MCG)

A purchase order variable format in support of computerized book ordering/acquisitions process is proposed for libraries and vendors by Subcommittee U, Computerized Ordering of Books, and National Information Standards Organization. General format structure, record content, generalized schematic, examples, and descriptions of data elements are…

Addresses position of printed documentation in computing as it exists for use by university community. Highlights include criticisms of computer manuals, the discerning reader, form and content, trends in system design, features of good manuals, and three principles to follow when considering use or purchase of computer system. (11 references)…