Three models for college and university decision-making about scarce resources are outlined: (1) shared governance, (2) corporate management, and (3) total quality management. Two underlying principles of all the models are, first, that faculty are the heart of the institution and, second, that successful institutions are governed through the…

Protocols for evaluating programs in Quebec universities are described. The evolution of the system is reviewed, and policies and procedures for assessing both new and existing programs, both internally and externally, are outlined. (MSE)

An explanation of the periodic evaluation of Laval University (Canada) programs begins with an outline of the university's organizational structure and administrative bodies. The justification, objectives, and scope of the evaluation policy are then described, and some benefits and problems are discussed. (MSE)

First, the role of the association of universities in the Netherlands in external institutional evaluation is examined. Then, three basic tenets of program assessment are discussed: (1) university programs must be of academic quality; (2) program content must not be too compressed; and (3) programs should be challenging for students. (MSE)

Strategies for promoting efficient control of quality in colleges and universities are examined. It is proposed that integration of external review and institutional self-evaluation can be used to support the goals of accountability, efficiency, and institutional effectiveness. (MSE)

The experience of Napier University (Scotland) with new mandatory quality assessments is examined, focusing on issues arising in the first two rounds of evaluation site visits, including defining quality; role of the lead evaluator; framework for the visit; role of the student; quality of the reports; and cost-benefit analysis. (MSE)

In response to the need for a system of control over the academic quality of distance education texts, this article proposes a methodological model based on criteria that evaluate written materials based on their instructional quality, design, and production. A discussion and figures evaluate educational aspects of content, communication,…

Guest columnist Paul D. Healey discusses World Wide Web as an Internet reference tool for librarians in adult reference services. Discussion highlights include an examination of Web uses in retrieving hypertext documents, a review of Web uses in law libraries, an analysis of quality control problems, and challenges faced by users. (JMV)

Benchmarking, associated with quality management philosophy currently common in higher education institutions, identifies processes considered to be the standard to emulate. A benchmark student administrative services area represents the best related processes brought together in one institution. A benchmark institution is described. It is argued…

Performance management, a joint process involving both supervisor and employee in the identification of common goals and writing of performance expectations, is recommended as a quality management approach to college and university personnel management. Its philosophical bases, management rationale, and the use of performance appraisal within this…

Benchmarking is an ongoing, systematic process for measuring and comparing work processes of one organization to those of another to identify best practices. Higher education can gain much from this technique, as industry has. The method is objective, reduces resistance to change and can lead to dramatic innovation and rapid development. (MSE)

This paper argues that the quality evaluation trend in European higher education reflects the state's effort to gain greater control over higher education. First, performance indicators are imposed, and then this technical form of evaluation is used to steer the higher education system toward the labor market. (MSE)

Key characteristics of the administration of Australia's higher education system are outlined, and the current debate over quality assurance in higher education is discussed. Historical treatment of higher education quality in Australia, government initiatives since the mid-1980s, and reasons for the current emphasis on quality are outlined. (MSE)

It is suggested that evidence-based health care is appropriate in dental care delivery, and dental educators can play an important role in overcoming barriers to teaching and practice of this approach. Obstacles include misinterpretations, insufficient evidence, undeveloped critical appraisal skills, skepticism, inadequate time, and poor access to…

The new manager of the Saint Louis Public Library's cataloging department describes how she dealt with three computer systems, planning for unexpected downtime, juggling staff, balancing different levels of expertise, and upgrading staff technical skills. The development of a cataloging procedures manual is also described. (KRN)