An analysis of 51 manufacturing and nonmanufacturing industries indicates a substantial variation among different types of businesses with respect to the type of workers hired. The analysis is extended to form a typology of industries that is useful to local development groups in formulating a strategy to employ groups of special concern.…

Proposes that full automation is the best current option for the United States' manufacturing industries. Advocates increased use of electronics, robotics, and computers in the establishment of unmanned factories. Implications of this movement are examined in terms of labor, management, and the structure of the economy. (ML)

Describes underlying technology of interactive videodiscs; significance of still-frame audio in videodisc design; instructional uses and effectiveness, particularly in mass training situations; main production stages (concept, preliminary plan, final plan, script, premastering, mastering); mastering process; costs; and guidelines for…

A boom in industrial robotics has led numerous vocational institutions to launch extensive training programs in this specialty. ITT Educational Services offers two curriculum programs to train future manufacturing engineers. The firm's national director describes this model curriculum for meeting the needs of today's workforce. (JN)

Discussion of problem of paper deterioration in books highlights developments in paper industry, acidic and alkaline paper, demand for book paper by publishing industry, library material conservation, and preservation activities in three areas--deacidification (use of alkaline chemicals to neutralize acidic paper), microfilming, and…

While other studies of local efforts to promote small town growth have generally shown negative results, this study of 88 small northwestern Michigan towns during the 1970s focused on external ties and contacts of local influentials and tended to support the growth machine hypothesis. Extensive metropolitan contacts increased population/program…

School districts must take legal action now against asbestos producers to recover the cost of asbestos removal from school buildings. State statutes of limitations, if not met, could result in school districts losing the right to recover against manufacturers. (MLF)

A study examined efforts by the International Federation of Chemical and General Workers' Unions to coordinate multinational union action in the Western European flat glass industry with the conclusion that national unions can be expected to be better equipped than international unions to handle collective bargaining across national boundaries.…

Discusses employee benefits offered to various manufacturing industry workers, especially for chemical professionals. Indicates that in the chemicals and allied products industry, such benefits averaged more than 30 percent of payroll in 1971. (CC)

Explains a new approach to education for the manufacturing industry, using curriculum blocks" to organize the educational program. (BH)

Flexible manufacturing systems (FMS) are systems that can be programed to alter their procedures to suit varying production requirements. Use of and trends related to these systems in the United States and foreign countries are discussed. A detailed diagram of a hypothetical FMS is provided. (JN)