Techniques of cost-effectiveness analysis and their applications to educational policy are discussed. Recommendations are made to increase the capacity of evaluators, policy analysts, and decision makers to use these tools appropriately for resource allocation. (SLD)

Investments in instructional information technologies must be a part of and reflect the direction and values of the institution's academic program. The course-by-course method of justification provides a sound planning tool, complete with requisite budgetary and staffing projections. (MLW)

A tongue-in-cheek guide for new administrators contains observations on these topics: education policy, faculty governance, the board and other constituencies, life in the bureaucratic lane, the use and abuse of resources, the administrator's worst enemy, and maintaining perspective on the job. (MSE)

Public policy implications for Arizona of the School-to-Work Opportunities Act are explored, specifically with regard to rural areas. It is argued that should additional resources become available to the state, population-based allocations to rural areas are likely to be insufficient for meaningful educational and economic-development reform. (SLD)

The feasibility of a university funding system for the United Kingdom that allocates resources based on institutional strategic plans is discussed. The plan is proposed as an alternative to current policy, which encourages uniformity rather than the institutional diversity mandated by the government. (MSE)

Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972, Civil Rights Act of 1971, designed to ensure equal educational opportunity for men and women, is reviewed as it pertains to college athletics. Related litigation and National Collegiate Athletic Association efforts to promote compliance are examined, an argument for excluding revenue-producing sports…

Local management of special schools (LMSS) in England is designed to increase school autonomy concerning staffing and resource allocation. However, special schools are constrained by the National Curriculum requirements, children's statements of special educational needs, compliance with governmental models for staffing levels, and the high…

This periodical price survey examines pricing trends, currency fluctuation and other predictors of 1996 serials costs. Tables are derived from analysis of three Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) databases and reflect subscription rates of large libraries. Sidebars include cost history information specific to mid-size to smaller academic…

Discussion of British university autonomy distinguishes between institutional autonomy and that of their academic staff. It is argued that, in the past decade, decline in professorial autonomy has been matched by enhancement of institutional autonomy and that universities exercise this autonomy within the funding parameters the government has…

Outsourcing has been proposed as a method for improving effectiveness and productivity in Australian public library service. Developments, drawbacks, and potentials are discussed, and differences between contracting out whole services as opposed to selected activities are examined. (AEF)

The University of Washington (Seattle) developed an administrative process that integrates user needs assessment. The user-centered library is defined and assessment initiatives including policies, surveys, analysis of resource allocation, and professional development are discussed. (AEF)

Cost factors associated with the development, administration, and scoring of performance assessment tasks are examined in the context of a statewide or other large-scale assessment program. Resources of money, time, and expertise are discussed. (SLD)

A survey of U.S. pharmacy schools and a review of pharmacy journals examined the level of pharmacy school training in analytical and statistical techniques. It was concluded that there is a substantial gap between what practitioners are taught in pharmacy school and the skills needed to assess the literature with respect to pharmacoeconomic…

Analysis of focus group discussions, involving 21 family members (having young children with disabilities) and 19 professionals, identified issues associated with families' use of time in the area of needed supports and time as a constraint. Implications are discussed in relation to developing early intervention programs. (DB)

There are many excellent scientists in the natural and human sciences in Canada's small universities. If the institutions implement internal procedures to encourage and foster a research climate and if research councils consider alternative strategies for research funding, research productivity could expand greatly in quality and scope. (MSE)