The offices of Information Resource Management and Institutional Research at Virginia Tech developed a set of guidelines for information management. This article describes the historical evolution, the forces that motivated the development of the guidelines, and the consensus-building activities that led to the acceptance of the guidelines.…

Explores the following policy approaches to drug use by pregnant women: (1) criminal prosecution of the mother; (2) allegations of child neglect against the mother with interruption of custody; and (3) drug treatment. Discusses whether each reduces drug use during pregnancy or improves maternal and infant health and well-being. (JS)

The changes in postsecondary education's relationship to government generally and to the federal government specifically are discussed. It is concluded that, as the array of issues, participants, and special interests mounts, the academy is less and less able to speak with a single voice in Washington. (MLW)

Compares findings from 1978 and 1988 studies conducted to determine whether high school accreditation was a requirement for college admission, where policies were formed, anticipated changes in the emphasis on accreditation, and the practices of large, public, and private colleges admissions requirements for in-state and out-of-state students.…

Discussion of national initiatives in the area of policy and planning for computer education focuses on the development and implementation of the Australian National Computer Education Program. National technological priorities are discussed, strategic planning and decision making are considered, and future activities and trends are suggested.…

Discusses the challenges of running a library in a political environment, and offers observations and strategies to aid in public library management. Areas discussed include governance, funding, personnel management, relationships with the press, working with elected officials, and negotiating strategies and skills. (CLB)

Discusses current trends that are predicted to intensify and to change library operations and the way society uses information technology. Trends discussed include focus on user needs; direct user access of electronic information; the obsolescence of first and second generation systems; a contention between optical products and online access; and…

Discusses the need for critical review of expert scientific findings used in the development of social policy. Uses the case of dissent from the Institute of Medicine's report on health care for the homeless to illustrate the conflict between scientific and practical moral objectivity. (FMW)

Analyzes shifts in Federal educational policy during the Reagan Administration. Finds the following changes: (1) modification of the basic Federal role; (2) growth and independence of the State role; and (3) development of Reagan's priority of academic excellence over educational equity. (FMW)

The hostilities that many home school parents hold are deeper than the present circumstances and relations with schools suggest. Nevertheless, involvement of home school parents in public school and educational decision making can occur at all levels of administration. Adaptations for the state, district, and school level are suggested. (BJV)

It is argued that school administrators at the state, district, or building level should review and evaluate policy in addition to their more traditional roles in implementation. This exercise of leadership should provide a more comprehensive response to policy initiatives. (SLD)

A Michigan State senator discusses institutional relationships with the state legislature and communication problems between institution and government that interfere with policy and budgeting processes. (MSE)

Identifies pertinent constituencies that interact with state-level community college governance and coordinating bodies in assessment; data and information needed for and used with these constituencies; the balance of potentially conflicting pressures and ideas about institutional autonomy and state uniformity and control; and mechanisms for…

Aging is now one of the most important issues facing the United States. The challenge gerontologists are facing is to think about new ways to help broaden the debate about preparing for an aging society in a comprehensive manner that takes into account diverse disciplines and interest groups. (BF)

Argues that the language planning role of Japan's public broadcasting organization, NHK, is considerable, although neglected. The article overviews broadcasting, language policy, organization, and history and focuses on NHK's role in establishing and disseminating the standard language. NHK is perceived as an arbiter of language standards. (51…