Rare book catalogers can use Internet resources in a cost-effective and time-saving way to improve the quality and accuracy of their work; this article discusses theoretical strategy as well as practical examples. Use of electronic information may answer questions about item description and about problematic rules and MARC fields. It also raises…

Discusses the advantages of modular wiring, a prefabricated wiring system that replaces branch circuits in buildings. Advantages include on-site and day-to-day labor savings, and future technology cost advantages. Includes questions to ask manufacturers. (EV)

This book is written for program administrators who want to become familiar with program evaluation methods. Outcome-based evaluation is defined as a form of program evaluation that uses objective person-referenced outcomes (measuring the functional level and social roles of program clients) to analyze effectiveness, impact, or costs and benefits.…

Parsons describes benefits and limitations of using financial analysis tools to evaluate human resource development programs, suggesting the additional dimension of values. Brinkerhoff's reaction emphasizes the flaws of impact evaluation, suggesting ways to reframe training evaluation. (SK)

Discusses the use of XML for data integration to move data across different platforms, including across the Internet, from a variety of sources. Topics include flexibility; standards; organizing databases; unstructured data and the use of meta tags to encode it with XML information; cost effectiveness; and eliminating client software licenses.…

Presents model for analyzing the distribution and interaction costs of asynchronous distance courses with traditional on-campus courses. (PKP)

Discusses the benefits of a new approach to school and campus lighting, in which lighting is considered its own maintenance category and is often outsourced to companies that can handle planning, design, and maintenance, as well as offer buying discounts and inventory control. (EV)

Describes how at Ohio University, the design and construction of the initial phase of a campuswide chilled water system is proving to cut electric costs. (EV)

Explains that due to the complexity of today's custodial work, extensive education and training is required. This includes basic commercial/industrial cleaning techniques; hygiene procedures; asbestos awareness; management, scheduling, and budgeting; chemical usage; and calculating operations efficiency. Details the in-depth custodial training of…

Discusses the advantages of metal building and roofing systems, especially the use of steel. Considers such factors as installation ease and design flexibility, reliability and durability, and cost-effectiveness. (PKP)

Reviews several studies examining long-term academic, economic, and social benefits of investment in early childhood education. Includes the High/Scope Perry Preschool Project, the Chicago Child-Parent Center Program, the Abecedarian Project, and Head Start. (Contains 10 references.) (PKP)

Studies cost-effectiveness of school-reform efforts between 1985 and 1998. Concludes that the enormous amount of public funds expended on school reform during this period resulted in very small increases in student achievement as measured by test scores in reading, mathematics, writing, science, and social studies. (Contains 13 references.) (PKP)

The 11 North Carolina group homes serving persons with autism are described. Discussed are such aspects as cost effectiveness, staff selection and training, level of structure and programing, composition of the client group, adherence to a central philosophy, and the role of administration. (Author/DB)

Discusses the dependent care programs offered by Honeywell and IBM. Indicates that the programs reduce absenteeism, increase productivity, and save money. (JOW)

An ex ante benefit-cost analysis was conducted of applied tree improvement programs in the North Central Region from 1986 through the year 2030. Results for 24 tree species indicate that ex ante evaluation of the programs is difficult, but the intuition of professionals has built-in efficiency considerations. (TJH)