Examination of appropriateness of productivity measurements to assess performance of special libraries defines the concept, discusses problems in their use, and gives guidelines for implementation. Results of use of productivity measurements in Library of Congress and State Department library are reported, and productivity measurements are…

Computer-aided design (CAD) has been around for a number of years. An overview is provided of a number of major computer-aided design programs. A short analysis of each program includes the addresses of the software producers. (MLF)

Explores the following issues affecting the integration of an optical information system in a library: (1) database contents; (2) retrieval software and indexing; (3) cost effectiveness; (4) data access time; (5) costs; (6) standardization; (7) security and access; and (8) impact on other services. (MES)

Discusses the determinants of the quality of library services, the difficulties involved in attempting to measure quality, and the need for the profession to explore methods to improve library service quality. (CLB)

Description of a project which evaluated performance of eight videodisc authoring tools on a series of eight authoring tasks begins by discussing the nature of authoring tools. Products, procedures, implementation of the evaluation plan, and product performance are then described; the research is critiqued; and changes for future evaluation…

Addresses advantages and disadvantages of write-once read-many (WORM) optical disks and other software considerations resulting from the write-once nature of WORM media to provide guidelines for determining whether this technology is appropriate for an application. Three brief case studies describe WORM software development efforts. (MES)

In 1976, Indiana University began offering a General Studies degree to open degree opportunities to those who are not necessarily able to return to the campus and meet residency requirements for other degrees. As a cornerstone of the program, a flexible admission policy was included for those 21 years or older. (JOW)

The first of two articles presents basic selection criteria for desktop publishing software packages, including discussion of expectations, required equipment, training costs, publication size, desired software features, additional equipment needed, and quality control. The second provides a brief description of desktop publishing using the Apple…

Explains the history and orientation of Berkeley's graduate program in sociology which leans more toward the European than the U.S. tradition of postgraduate education. The doctoral student is most likely the principal architect of the research design and sole collector of primary data for the dissertation. The program emphasizes negotiation and a…

The University of California at Los Angeles sociology department stands out as a pluralistic community that fosters interaction, communication, and mutual understanding. Leading ethnographers and survey researchers work side by side; noted Marxists, functionalists, and phenomenologists participate in the same colloquia. The department has strong…

Argues for making participation in high school athletics available to all students, not just the academic achievers. (MD)

An examination of teacher performance appraisal methods revealed some problems and abuses. Effective evaluation schemes were built upon observation usually mutually agreed, objective criteria for classroom observation, mutual goal seeting, self-appraisal, and support in the form of inservice training and available resources. (JD)

A Wisconsin study reveals that most school counselors are evaluated at least annually but that inappropriate evaluation criteria are applied. Recommendations include developing a clear policy, establishing a task force (composed of administrators, counselors, and others) to review existing criteria and procedures, and implementing any new plan on…

This study examines demands placed on evaluators by the Joint Committee on Educational Evaluation's standards. Twenty-two experts in evaluation rated the compatibility of implementing pairs of standards or rated individual standards on a series of scales. Multidimensional scaling revealed five demands of ethical practice. (JAZ)

Explains how reviewers for "Horn Book" determine which books will be designated "especially worthy of attention." (FL)