The purpose of the present study is to explore cost-effectiveness factors that affect the choice among alternative system designs for retrospective searching services. A cost-effectiveness model that may be used to evaluate potential systems was derived, and a statement of the general magnitude of costs that the American Psychological Association…

This report explores the bodies of literature pertinent to the economics of information, a topic of growing interest to the information community and to economists. As used here, economics of information refers to the concepts and tools of economics as they apply to information activities. The report consists of (1) a short section on the…

Committee hearings are among the most important documents issued by Congress because they contain the transcript of testimony given before the committees. Here presumably the major proponents and opponents of a bill voice their opinions, recite facts and support their beliefs. The transcripts of proceedings of Congressional committee hearings are…

Discusses accessibility of needed information and maintenance of individual privacy in terms of the 1974 Freedom of Information Act, and explores the implications for educational practices. Vital Speeches of The Day, City News Publishing Company, Box 606, Southold, N.Y. 11971. Subscription Rates: $12.00 a year; $22.20 two years; $.60, single…

Discusses some crucial questions about voucher systems in education and examines the major weakness of the voucher and entitlement proposals, i.e., information imperfections that limit the ability of individuals, especially low-income and less educated people, to choose intelligently among competing alternatives. (BR)

This paper discusses vehicles for education and training, tools and techniques for promotion, and details the information requirements of the processors, service managers, searchers, and end users of on-line data bases. (Author/KP)

Past research on consumer information has emphasized the effects of informed consumers of the provision of goods by sellers. This paper examines the effects of informed consumers on other consumers' product choices. These are demand-side effects. Directions for research are outlined. Author/CH)

This article explores the importance of maintaining case records and draws implications for the field of educational administration. The Center for Advancing Principalship EXcellence (APEX Center) receives case records from member principals and uses them to report on how specific types of problems are dealt with in practice. (MT)

The paper describes a decision making model for planning and implementing an integration program for exceptional children. Four phases are addressed (sample steps in parentheses): (1) information gathering (functional skills assessment), (2) information synthesis (long range goals), (3) program implementation (individualized education program…

Explains how it is that the fruits of educational research and analysis, so insistently sought by Washington policy-makers, are so inefficiently used. Change will not occur in the manner originally envisioned: where a clear research result will quickly convert a set of coolly rational policy-makers. (Author/IRT)

Papers presented at scientific meetings are at least as valuable as those published in the journals. As a medium for current awareness, meeting papers have important advantages over those published in the journals. "Current Programs," a new current-awareness service, is making it possible to take advantage of this heretofore underutilized…

Article provides a scenario of the types of activities of an information-oriented organization. (Author/RK)

Ivan D. Illich proposes preserving the right of equal access to the tools both of learning and of sharing with others what they know. (Author)

Training programs for new arbitrators, costs and delays of arbitration, and the federal government's new computerized system to provide current listings of qualified arbitrators are discussed. But labor and management must be responsible for arbitration reforms. (MF)