Informal discussions between librarians and information technologists at Indiana University-Bloomington concerning the commonalities of their careers in information evolved into an ambitious collaborative program of professional development. A series of workshops focused on specific current professional challenges. Content emphasized collaboration…

Describes PALL (Pennsylvania Learning Link), an interactive computer system that offers research resources, electronic mail, discussion centers, distance learning information, access to Internet mail, and specific curriculum resources geared toward classroom needs. Regional services, statewide services, and classroom services are described,…

Examines the work of women's voluntary associations in support of public libraries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Activities studied include support of traveling libraries, library legislation, and the founding of local libraries. Cooperation of organized women's groups with the American Library Association and other organizations is…

Analysis of the role of research councils and the awarding of research grants suggests that they have become part of the reward system of the scientific community. It is proposed that research councils must become entrepreneurial, seeking both resources and a role in strategic networks, or face obsolescence. (MSE)

Provides an overview of this special issue of Wilson Library Bulletin on library services to a growing racially and ethnically diverse population. Highlights include nationwide responses from professional associations and government agencies; reaching community libraries; making library activities accessible to underserved populations; and the…

Describes Columbus State Community College's assessment process and its reflection of the 10 characteristics identified by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools for student assessment programs. Provides information about program development and suggests implementation strategies for other colleges. (DMM)

Reports on Western Michigan University's efforts to assess programs at the undergraduate level. Describes the steps involved in deciding which student achievement areas to assess, which instruments to use, and who to test. Discusses effects on students and confidentiality issues. Reviews problems in implementing assessment. (DMM)

Mathematics educators have led the educational reform movement in recent years. New curricula and innovative teaching methods are emerging in elementary and secondary programs, as illustrated by the work of the College Board, University of Chicago, University of California at Berkeley and San Francisco, and the National Science Foundation. (MSE)

Describes the structure and organization of a research and training program focusing on urban poverty and social welfare policy. Explains that the program trains undergraduates in the theory and empirical analysis of issues in poverty research. Notes that students must develop and present a plan of service to a local social service agency in an…

Guidelines for building collaboration between education and social services are based on an Arizona superintendent's experiences in the establishment on school district grounds of a family assistance center staffed with 20 workers. (MLF)

Includes four responses to Britain's proposed Further and Higher Education Bill: "Community Education: A Broken Shoestring" (Yates); "The Voluntary Sector: This Year, Next Year" (Woodman); "The Local Authority: Juggling with Models" (Cara); and "The Further Education College: Changing the Educational…

The placement of students in special education or compensatory programs can be justified only when student classification is valid and when the programs have distinctive qualities and show efficacy. Modified classifications, educational teaming, coordinated teacher preparation, and interagency cooperation will hopefully end disjointedness in…

Discusses the success of the partnership between the Cone Elementary School and the Verner Springs Head Start Center in Greenville, South Carolina. The collaboration provides a full-day program for four-year-old children which addresses curriculum and assessment, enrollment, transportation, health services, nutrition, and the concerns of special…

Designing school-linked services that take into account the growing diversity of the nation's population requires individuals and organizations to address several difficult issues, beginning with understanding language and culture. Building trust is perhaps the biggest challenge to developing effective collaboration. (SLD)

After years of counting books and toilets, the country's independent accrediting agencies are reflecting the changes occurring in education over the last decade. All six regional accrediting associations now examine student learning and are trying to shape the accreditation process into a tool for staff development and strategic planning. Sidebars…