Research findings have been used by states to formulate legislation to increase child passenger safety. Case studies from Kansas and Illinois are presented. The process is most successful when researchers are sensitive to the policy making process. The implications for the use of psychological research findings are discussed. (VM)

A policy statement prepared by a joint committee of the American Association of University Professors and the Association of American Colleges about retirement plans and plans for insurance benefits for faculty members and administrators is presented. (MLW)

The estimation of a comprehensive model describing student perceptions of college quality permits the determination of the relative importance of the influences that affect these perceptions. This knowledge is instrumental for directing efforts toward improving perceptions and for evaluating the effectiveness of changes in recruitment practices.…

Identifies issues pertaining to federal information that need to be addressed by a national information policy; discusses the failure of the federal government to formulate such a policy, and the reasons for that failure; and describes the author's proposed Government Information Act. (CLB)

Several reference librarians respond to the Hernon and McClure study on the accuracy of library reference services. Highlights include problems with the methodology used (unobtrusive observation), and performance factors not addressed by the study. Comments by Hernon and McClure address these responses and ways to improve reference services are…

A list of trustee responsibilities, as adapted from a private college's trustee handbook, includes suggestions for active involvement in decision making, self-education about the institution and issues, and participation in meetings. (MSE)

The first session of the 100th Congress has been transitional for national research and development policies because of the emergence of competitiveness as a major theme in American politics, the formation of a broad-based university-corporate alliance for lobbying, and growing public awareness of the potential commercialization of technology.…

Many campus administrators in Alabama also serve in the state legislature, participating in debates and votes affecting their institutions. The potential for conflicts of interest has damaged state policy on higher education. Some recent incidents are described. (MLW)

The Carnegie Corporation's new Commission on Science, Technology, and Government will look for ways in which federal and state governments can better incorporate scientific and technological knowledge into their policy and administrative decisions. The panel includes university presidents, Nobel-prize-winning scientists, and former high-level…

Explores the impact of networks and shared library resources on the library planning process. Environmental scanning techniques, the need for cooperative planning, and the formulation of strategies to achieve networking goals are discussed. (CLB)

Ronald Reagan's Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI) program has inspired heated debate on campuses, and many scientists have pledged not to accept federal money for SDI research, for a variety of political, economic, and scientific reasons. (MSE)

This checklist outlines the basic steps to be followed from the time of the recognition of the need for a new building until the actual start of construction. (Author/CLB)

Features of programs that readmit students who have previously failed scholastically are outlined, the potential for success of "forgiven" students is discussed, and considerations in forming policy concerning these students are examined. (MSE)

This article identifies, describes, and demonstrates theoretical and methodological developments through a study of policy cultures in six states (Arizona, California, Illinois, Penneylvania, West Virginia, and Wisconsin). (CB)

Dishonesty in vendor-buyer relations is nothing new. Any alumni director who has contracted with a tour company for alumni trips knows ethical questions can arise, begining with the issue of familiarization, or fam, tours. Some suggestions for setting policies in an alumni office are presented. (MLW)