University extension services, patterned after agricultural extension services, collect and disseminate results of new research and go to businesses and industry to help solve technical and other problems. They are offered by many state and land-grant universities and some private institutions but are not well known. (MSE)

Describes a series of six newsletters titled "Living and Learning with Infants," which contain information for new parents on 14 topics. Reviews an evaluation of the newsletter program which identified four topics containing the most useful information: baby's need for attention, baby's health, baby's growing abilities, and parent child…

Stating that the greatest potential impact of computer use in extension is not in providing information but in teaching how to analyze problems, the author discusses use of the computer as an educational method and offers some considerations to keep in mind when designing computerized learning packages. (MF)

Additional volunteer middle managers to work with extension agents in Four-H Clubs are needed for effective organizational structure and quality programs. The article discusses the value of these middle managers and their recruitment, selection, training, use, recognition, and evaluation. (MF)

Descriptions of the 12 specialized information centers of the National Agricultural Library (NAL) include subject coverage, information services provided, information technologies used, and staffing. The development of the Rural Information Center, a joint venture between the Extension Service and NAL to provide information services to local…

Describes the development of the Rural Issues Collection by the Central Kansas Library System, which is meant to deal with the problems of rural residents going through transition. The discussion covers the cooperative relationship developed between the library system and the extension service to make residents aware of library resources and…

Seven articles present models for collaboration between business and education, agriscience and extension, agribusiness and agricultural education, as well as a collaborative waterfowl refuge project and the political process and public relations. (SK)

Includes "Similarities and Differences" (Gamon); "Preparing Agriculture Teachers and Extension Agents" (Seevers); "Teaching and Extension" (Graham); "Cooperation between 4-H and FFA" (Hink); "Team Approach to Agricultural and Extension Education in Georgia" (Iverson, Rohs); "Agricultural…

Survey responses from Arizona extension agents identified competencies needed for working with at-risk persons. In an experiential staff development process, agents conducted community assessments of issues, needs, and resources concerning children, youth, and families at risk and developed integrated programming for them. (SK)

The Extension Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture commissioned the National Impact Study of Leadership Development in Extension (NISLDE), one of five national impact studies, to examine the leadership development work of Cooperative Extension staff nationwide. The study, responded to by 86 percent of the 3,100 extension educators and…

This guide describes intergenerational programs and provides ideas for initiating and implementing informal and formal interaction between youth and senior adults. Intergenerational programs can help dispel negative stereotypes that youth and older adults may have about each other. Successful programs provide rewarding experiences for both…

A study determined the yields obtained and the production practices followed by Louisiana commercial catfish farmers in Catahoula, Concordia, and Franklin Parishes. This information was used by the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service (LCES) faculty to develop a catfish education program. The study: (1) determined use of selected recommended…

An assessment identifying the leadership education needs of three groups of leadership program alumni was developed through focus group interviews. Respondents (386 of 1,063 or 36%) were most interested in training on: engaging others in a common vision, inspiring others, attracting the right people for the task, and influencing others. They…

Universities are frequently criticized for being unresponsive to the needs of their stakeholders. In response to this perception, many institutions of higher learning have taken steps to become more productively engaged with the people, organizations, and communities they serve. In this article, we analyze the process of engagement by focusing on…