Describes efforts underway at Pennsylvania State University to link branch campuses using compressed videoconferencing. Discusses the plans for using this technology for a variety of administrative and instructional purposes. Outlines the costs associated with developing such a system. (TW)

This review of management literature relevant to library technical services operations concentrates on materials published since 1980. Categories of management literature reviewed include budget and finance, personnel, library automation, space, and time. More than 70 references are listed. (CLB)

Describes compact disk technology in general and possible library applications, including cataloging, online bibliographic searching, and full text searching, and compares the purchase of optical disk packages to traditional online services. Guidelines are provided for evaluating optical disks which focus on the size of the database, updating…

Describes an evaluation of EasyNet, a menu-driven, dial access information system, in which end users conducted their own searches. User comments are discussed in terms of user friendliness, user satisfaction, user problems, and value for money. (Author/CLB)

Ways to make instruction more individualized and personalized even if class size cannot be reduced include modifying the following: (1) distribution of teachers; (2) instructional methods; (3) distribution of students; and (4) exacerbating factors such as interruptions. (MLF)

Discusses how to examine and evaluate claims of improved academic performance in advertisements for computer-assisted instruction. Highlights include the proper use of comparison groups; types of statistical analyses; the Hawthorne effect; the interpretation of scores; interpreting graphic presentations; tests of significance; and cost…

Review of distance education projects in developing countries focuses on those that have been funded by the World Bank from 1963 to 1985. Systems for primary, secondary, college level, adult, and teacher training students are included; case studies are provided; and educational objectives and cost effectiveness are discussed. (LRW)

The need for a more efficient use of energy is discussed. Described are energy-conservation strategies and technologies for increasing consumption efficiency. Social obstacles that potentially delay adoption of improvements are considered. (RT)

Interviews with more than 100 persons from seven diverse California school districts revealed a lack of formal information disclosure about the matching of particular students with teachers, courses, grade levels, and schools. Discusses information disclosure benefits in terms of informed choice and the citizen's right to know. (MLF)

Presents case study on personal computer teleconferencing to compare its cost effectiveness with that of on-site training. A model is described that uses a checklist for decision making in three areas: (1) initial considerations, (2) planning considerations, i.e., design elements, and (3) technical considerations, i.e., review and selection…

Summarizes the benefits of early childhood education programs offering new hope to disadvantaged children and long-range savings to taxpayers. Reviews major issues concerning public preschool education, including funding, eligibility, need for high quality programs with a child development emphasis, adequate staffing, and appropriate child and…

Describes a study undertaken by San Jose State University of business-related ready reference searches done at that library. The results suggest that within certain restrictions of patron questions, librarian training, search cost, and the database, ready reference online searches can be the most cost effective approach to providing business…

The medical care system is undergoing widespread and significant changes. Individual hospitals may be disappearing as mergers, acquisitions, and a variety of multi-institutional arrangements become the dominant form and as a host of free-standing medical enterprises spread out into the community. (MLW)

Provides an overview of economic evaluation, focusing on goals, limitations and methods. Reviews three of the best-known examples of such programs. (Author/NH)

Investigates teacher perceptions of cost/benefits of permanent part-time teaching (PPTT) in Australian schools. A questionnaire gauged effects of PPTT on teachers' working conditions, the teacher employment market, school administration, and social interactions among teachers. Respondents overwhelmingly supported the introduction of PPTT in the…