Identifies some of the distinguishing characteristics of business information and examines their impact on reference transactions. Topics include characteristics of business patrons; question negotiation; dealing with patrons' expectations; helping patrons devise a search strategy; understanding search results; requisite skills for business…

Establishment of college policy for determining the proportion of the budget allotted to student financial aid is discussed. The classic marketing approach to revenue optimization is outlined and adapted for college decision-making. Mathematical formulas for addressing differing institutional enrollment situations and risk factors are offered.…

A survey of 235 current and prospective British university students investigated the role of housing options (dormitory type, room type, density, facilities and features, services, costs) in student choice of university. Specific factors were ranked by preference. Results indicate significant differences between perceived ideals and choices made…

Discusses U.S. science and technical information (STI) policy since the 1960s and the recent move toward a diffusion-oriented STI policy. Highlights include reasons why STI is important to national competitiveness, the National Research and Education Network as an information infrastructure, and creation of a committee to coordinate STI policy…

Behavioral definitions are provided for the following four basic values that drive state educational policymaking: (1) choice; (2) efficiency; (3) equity; and (4) quality. How these values are distributed by the priorities of policymakers is discussed and illustrated through examination of the values of Illinois and Wisconsin. (SLD)

The complex needs of the heterogeneous group of homeless women suggest that policy and services must focus on a continuum from adequate and accessible emergency services (shelter, food, financial assistance) to transitional assistance with housing, employment, and mental and physical health care, and ultimately to stabilization. (SK)

Offers parable concerning cobbler who lost control of how he operated within his profession. Notes many teachers also feel they are not in charge, that the curriculum is driven by standardized tests and/or the scope and sequence of the published program adopted by the school system. Expresses encouragement that a growing number of teachers are…

Examines the use of educational indicators to serve educational policy ends, the potential benefits and dangers of various uses, and how to forge guidelines for appropriate relationships between indicators and policy. Indicators should not be used as administrative controls or policy levers, but to illuminate educational activities and processes…

In the context of recent federal investigations and prosecutions of purported student financial aid price fixing, this article offers colleges and universities a model antitrust policy addressing financial aid, tuition, and faculty salaries. Specific guidelines on exchange of different types of data (historical, tuition information, salary levels,…

Provides historical background on public sentiment and government action related to U.S. and United Nations publications used in environmental policy research. Discussion covers Earth Days 1970 and 1990, the Council on Environmental Quality, the National Environmental Policy Act of 1970, and the United Nations Environment Program. Chronological…

Priority setting is examined from the perspective of planning practitioners operating in a major federal regulatory agency. Causes of ambivalence in setting priorities are considered, and ways to reduce ambivalence are suggested. Three models are proposed for setting priorities in the public sector. (SLD)

Observes that little energy education work has been done since the early 1980s. Recommends teaching about (1) the coming transition from petroleum to other energy sources; (2) the time and policy decisions involved in the transition; (3) the need to avoid reliance upon a single, simple solution to energy problems; and (4) the link between energy…

The technology that allows college staff easy access to the institution's telecommunications services can be used for unauthorized access. Although detection and prevention of abuse are difficult, the best way to limit losses is to anticipate the attempt, frustrate the perpetrator, monitor for unusual activity, and take immediate action. (MSE)

Both a classification of the relatively new standards-setting consortia and a theoretical basis for their emergence are developed. It is noted that the theory is based on the confluence of political theory and the theory of markets, and the implications of these consortia for the standards-setting process are considered from theoretical and…

Describes the North Central Association's 1965 decision to require member schools to undertake a self-study followed by a team visitation every seven years. Offers background for the decision, a description of the decision process, and information on subsequent decisions. (DMM)