Provides data on prices of U.S. and foreign materials; book title output and average prices, 1996 final and 1997 preliminary figures; book sales statistics, 1997--AAP preliminary estimates; U.S. trade in books, 1997; international book title output, 1990-95; book review media statistics; and number of book outlets in the U.S. and Canada. (PEN)

Interviews two teachers who both moved from teaching to educational publishing. Talks with them about reasons for the move, the future of textbook publishing, and the founding and development of a press devoted to teaching resources and professional publications. (SR)

Students in construction technology (n=65) described their general and subject-specific conceptions of learning. Among general conceptions were lifelong and self-directed leaning; subject-specific conceptions included self/career development and obtaining grades to get a degree. Differences between the two were influenced by context and…

Analysis of the Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI) database determined the growth of frequency of use of the term globalization during 1989-1995. Lists globalized items during 1989-1995: business, industry, production, and technology. Notes that science has not become globalized because it is still supported and managed by national governments.…

Examines the impact of exposure to fashion magazines on women's (n=24) body image satisfaction. Results indicate that women who viewed fashion magazines prior to completing a body image satisfaction survey, preferred to weigh less, and were less satisfied with their bodies, than peers (n=15) who read news magazines before the survey. (RJM)

A class of 71 industrial technology students was divided into either self-selected (homogeneous) work groups or randomly assigned (heterogeneous) groups. The heterogeneous groups had significantly better peer ratings and adjusted scores on their work tasks, but not better raw scores. Despite evidence of higher achievement in random groups,…

Columbia University Press's current and future solvency rests on a complex balance of reference, scholarly, and trade titles as well as an innovative collaboration with the library to help guarantee the house's preeminence in the academic community. The Press's strategic approach is described. (Author)

The seven papers use data from particular industries to examine the nature and causes of recent changes in earnings equality in the United States. They provide perspectives from banking, telecommunications, semiconductors, steel, grocery, truck driving, apparel, and imaging industries on recent debates regarding the influence that technological…

Study of a construction contractor modernizing production showed that creation of an effective learning mood was more likely in a supportive environment in which people explore their actions as they work ("pull learning"). However, an external change agent ("push learning") was useful in provoking the reflection that triggered workplace learning.…

A school-to-work curriculum (What's Up in Factories?) developed by a New York PBS station is giving some Ohio students a view of factory careers in the 1990s. Students are surprised at the level of job skills needed and are discovering the importance of teamwork, willingness to take responsibility, punctuality, effective communication, and…

Develops a network approach to organizational learning and derives firm-level longitudinal hypotheses that link research-and-development alliances, interfirm management experiences, network position, and other factors, using a sample of dedicated biotechnology firms. Collaborative networks provide entry to a field with widely distributed relevant…

Discusses results of a study of four "downsizing" Colorado school districts characterized by annual budget cuts, increasing enrollments, stable superintendencies, and reasonable school boards. Strategic cost-cutting options included reviewing accounts for "loose change," instituting tighter budget control, cutting central…

Explores the theme of self-censorship in libraries in relation to new technologies. Highlights include the results of investing in high-cost electronic resources at the expense of traditional, lower-status formats; the effect of information technologies on literacy and historical records; and market censorship, including centralization and…

Data from the international Work Socialization of Youth project (1988-90) were analyzed for office technology workers and machine operators in six European countries. Organizational and societal factors had greater influence on part-time/temporary employment than did job search strategies, gender, or age. (SK)

Canadian government support for university-industry collaboration has increased cooperative research and development. The Canadian infrastructure for collaboration helps make innovations relevant to smaller enterprises. Still needed is effective integration of university-industry partnerships into national systems. (SK)