Colleges and universities considering adoption of new technologies should first consider why the initiative is occurring; whether it is based on careful discussion of educational goals and means; what social visions are built into and enacted by a given technology; how context of use will shape the way the technology is used; and how different…

The context of and the participatory strategic planning process at the University of Texas, El Paso, from 1993 to 1996 is described. The internal and external factors that influence the intensive interactive process are reviewed; the university's conceptual framework for strategic planning is described; and the role of the university's planning…

Discussion of reference librarians in higher education focuses on experiences at the University of Southern California. Topics include reference costs and time demands; reorganization and cutting costs; merging computer departments with libraries; Internet advantages, including the Internet Public Library; attitudes and creativity of librarians;…

Presents the concept of a school-based resource coordinating team as a mechanism for enhancing collaboration among school support services and programs. Outlines the use of social workers as organization facilitators in developing and maintaining such teams, and highlights some of the challenges encountered in the process. (JPS)

Transition from one president to another is a complex undertaking that colleges and universities often handle badly, abdicating responsibility for preparing the new administrator. Governing boards should plan a brief leadership transition period beginning with the previous president's announcement of intention to leave, allow the institution to…

Reviews change strategies implemented by Harvard College Library (Massachusetts) in response to environmental changes and increased technological developments. The library increased productivity and innovation, and improved the work environment through staff and organizational development. (JMV)

Criticizes "technologically deterministic" approaches, which seek to extrapolate social change from technological potential. Shows how a three-layer model of component, system, and application technologies can be used to integrate findings from the use and development of technology in specific sectors. Examines three cases of…

Examines an innovative philanthropic program instituted by a Midwestern United States manufacturing company during organizational downtimes. Examines the tensions that emerged when a traditionally structured company instituted a program indicative of incremental shifts toward feminist organizing principles. Explores the pragmatic and far-reaching…

Colleges and universities have an organizational culture that values convention and continuity and is highly resistant to change. To manage change, governing boards must devise strategies that integrate academic values in ways that faculty recognize and support, and allow progress to occur in manageable pieces that serve as examples of…

This commentary discusses whether the American Association on Mental Retardation should change its name. It argues that the term "mental retardation" has become a potent, utterly dismissive invective in the mouths of adults and school children and should be replaced with the term "intellectual disability". (Contains 1…

This commentary discusses whether the American Association on Mental Retardation should change its name. It suggests that it is time for a name change, however, the term "mental retardation" should be kept for diagnostic and entitlement purposes until such time as a better term is found and accepted. (Contains references.) (CR)

This commentary discusses whether the American Association on Mental Retardation should change its name. It offers some ideas on how society might think about elemental change in terminology so a healthy outcome can be achieved without simply rearranging prejudices. The term "cognitive- adaptive disability" is proposed. (Contains three…

The "Teaching/Learning Project" at Miami-Dade Community College (Florida), a process of dramatic institution-wide change, is described, focusing on the leadership, collaboration, and coordination required to bring about desired changes. Examination of leadership roles include those of the change agent (project director), champion…

Changes in university extension/continuing education require a new type of research that is more appropriate for emerging practice. An online database of case studies of continuing education programs and projects could help improve practice and supply the knowledge base for graduate programs. (SK)

Describes the evolution of DePaul University's (Illinois) efforts to build ties with its surrounding community through service learning and a week-long freshman immersion in issues related to Chicago. The institution's own history is chronicled briefly, and some of the inherent difficulties in establishing and sustaining meaningful community-based…