Suggestions are presented for designing indoor and outdoor tennis facilities that will inhibit vandalism. Recommendations include using high-quality materials that will be difficult to damage, adopting and posting rules for court use, and constructing self-contained power sources. (CB)

If the youth services department is to receive its fair share of staff, equipment, respect, and funding, the youth services librarian must learn to express needs to the library director in terms of statistics, goals and objectives, and budget. (MES)

Describes Rhode Island's adaptation of the Illinois model for delivery of child protective services. This system centralizes reporting of child abuse and neglect; uses computer technology; separates the investigative function from provision of social services; and provides a structured investigative and decision-making process that continually…

Seventy percent of all playground accidents result from falls from equipment onto the underlying surface. This article reviews some types of surfaces commonly found in playgrounds and how each fared under National Bureau of Standards guidelines. (MT)

Guidelines for a safe playground are discussed, beginning with the ages and numbers of users. Separation of equipment and surfacing materials are emphasized. (MT)

Computer viruses are programs that propagate themselves from disk to disk and destroy programs or information files. Several universities have recently reported virus outbreaks. Some suggestions for avoiding the viruses are provided. (MLW)

This description of ways in which database management systems can be helpful in instructional media centers explains the basic terminology involved and how to plan, create, modify, maintain, and use databases. Examples provided include an equipment distributions form and the structure for a film/video rental database. (LRW)

Report on characteristics of different kinds of microfilm available indicates proper film for specific needs. Silver halide and nonsilver films, diazo film, vesicular film, reaction of films to light, effect of heat and humidity on films, film susceptibility to scratching, and potential longevity of film types are covered. (35 references) (EJS)

Defines management information systems (MIS) in higher education and more specifically student affairs. Presents a rationale for improving MIS in student affairs and provides guidelines for developing campus student affairs MIS. Throughout the paper, examples of present uses of student affairs MIS are given. (Author)

Examines the role of physical touch between counselors and clients, reviewing both research and clinical data. Although published findings are not conclusive, there is some indication that touch, when appropriately used, can have a positive impact on clients. Concludes by proposing guidelines for the use of touch in counseling. (Author/BL)

The official position statement and guidelines of the National Council for the Social Studies concerning the teaching of religions in elementary and secondary social studies classrooms is presented. (RM)

Presents four rules for successful parent involvement programs, based on the Home and School Institute's 20 years' experience in promoting parent involvement in education. (MCG)

Discusses the development of a telecommunications program at Madonna College (Michigan). Using this program as a model, offers procedural guidelines on how other institutions can utilize local cable television systems for extended delivery of curricula. (JN)

Discusses various issues related to use of microcomputers by preschool aged children, indicating that computers encourage social interaction among the youngsters. Also indicates a lack of research on the extent computers can be used to build developmental and cognitive skills in these children. Guidelines for selecting software for preschools are…

Discusses aspects of the play environment and its effect on children's play behavior. Indoor and outdoor play spaces are considered along with factors affecting the use of outdoor environments for play. Children's preferences for different outdoor play environments and for various play structures are explored. Guides for choosing play equipment…