Suggests practical steps the uninitiated librarian can take to become familiar with automation opportunities and discusses issues that should be considered in choosing an automation system for the small library. Getting acquainted with computer world, evaluating library environment, and considering options are covered. Eight references are cited.…

Lessons learned in buying 185 micros and associated peripheral hardware are shared, and a set of dos and don'ts for others planning to buy micros are provided. Advice on the purchasing agent, testing and evaluating hardware, and examining the computer for reliability, durability, and ease of repair is offered. (MLW)

Presents report to Vice President for Academic Affairs of Drexel University which formed the basis for negotiating an agreement with Apple Corporation to provide required microcomputers for incoming freshmen. Microcomputer Selection Committee constitution and charge, student ownership goals, requirements and specifications for the microcomputers,…

Discusses features essential to good art software or paint systems and provides descriptions of 10 art software packages to illustrate range available to home computer artists--Complete Graphics System, E-Z Draw 3.3, Flying Colors, Graphics Magician, Micro-Painter, Paint, Paint Magic, Paint Master, Poor Man's Graphics Tablet, and Rainbow Graphics.…

Discusses the theory behind the system of the compact disc (encoding process, decoding system), its potential for growth, and its possible impact on the way libraries handle sound recordings. Guidelines for purchase of compact disc equipment are given. A comparison of compact discs and long-playing records is appended. (37 references) (EJS)

Life cycle costing establishes a realistic comparison of the cost of owning and operating products. The formula of initial cost plus maintenance plus operation divided by useful life identifies the best price over the lifetime of the product purchased. (MLF)

To maintain its 17 school buildings, the Albany, New York, school system uses private contractors whose services for labor and materials are obtained at a fixed price for a one-year period through a competitive bid. (MLF)

This article reviews and evaluates literature dealing with choosing software for creation of microcomputer-based in-house databases in the information center. Sections on purchasing versus programing, directories of software, evaluation of software, and sources for software descriptions or reviews are included. Appendices list microcomputer…

The Faxon Company has developed a user-friendly, menu-driven database that includes all serial titles from every subject area announced within the past three years. Accessible by ASCII terminals and personal computers, INFOSERV is available through Telenet and provides a brief bibliographic description together with availability information for…

Data processing methods applicable to the small college bookstore are reviewed, including a proposal for creating more meaningful reports. When used properly, the reports yield much information that the manager can use to decrease operating expenses and increase sales. (LBH)

Texas legislation allows public school districts to use a variety of contracting methods to obtain the "best value" for their construction projects. This resource document provides some of the basic framework regarding laws governing the award of construction contracts by school districts and institutions of higher education. Also…

This paper addresses the difficulties that many school districts face when implementing educational technology throughout aging educational facilities and illustrates one school district's solution. Construction problems found and solved in the renovation process are discussed including issues surrounding equipment purchasing. Photos are provided.…

In the purchase of books from foreign countries, the basic problem with regard to currency is to decide which currency will be used in these transactions, and how to reach agreement with vendors on this point. (11 references) (Author)

The process of purchasing audiovisual hardware should eventually arrive at a point where the user's requirements and the industries' standards and guidelines correlate, keeping budgets in mind. Teachnical personnel should exchange more information on their decision making preferably through small discussion groups, or users should unite and…

The success of institutional food purchasing is dependent upon closely followed principles for quality and openness to ideas. (Editor)