Argues that the key reason for using the services of a library automation consultant is to obtain expertise not available in the library staff, and that the library must continuously evaluate the consulting process and provide feedback to the consultant. Related insights and perspectives of both librarians and library system vendors are provided.…

Describes career changes and retirement choices made by outgoing "career" superintendents. Choices ranged from teaching and consulting to administering philanthropic organizations and launching a charter-boat business. (MLH)

A consultant who works primarily with women focuses on the promotion of personal change through the use of group processes and collaborative learning reflects on her role as an adult education consultant. (JOW)

Reviews Caplan's "Theory and Practice of Mental Health Consultation" (1970), considered classic seminal work in field of consultation. Presents Caplan's general definition of consultation and general principles or procedures of consultation. Describes each of Caplan's four models of consultation and compares models in terms of professional role of…

Describes Schein's three models of consultation based on assumptions inherent in different helping styles: purchase of expertise and doctor-patient models, which focus on content of organization problems; and process consultation model, which focuses on how organizational problems are solved. Notes that Schein has suggested that consultants begin…

Notes that, although consultation researchers and practitioners have called attention to need for more psychometrically sound instruments, little advancement has occurred in this area. Outlines key quantitative and qualitative psychometric standards for organizational consultation assessment and evaluation instruments. Presents framework and…

Consultation services offered by community mental health centers (CMHCs) have gone through significant changes since signing of Community Mental Health Center Act of 1963. Initially, consultation and education services were integral part of CMHC mission. With passage of additional legislation, consultation services declined and consultation and…

Argues that traditional research model used in industrial-organizational psychology is not useful in understanding deeper dynamics of organizations, especially those phenomena labeled as "cultural." Contends that use of data obtained during clinical and consulting work should be legitimated as valid research data. Spells out clinical model and…

Presents two cases that illustrate some of the issues regularly faced by business communication educators: publications and conference presentations and consulting. Notes that each of the cases is followed by a series of specific questions addressing ethical issues raised in the cases. (RS)

Presents three scenarios showing the dilemmas involved in facilitating school improvement sessions without seizing leadership control. Formerly a public school teacher and administrator, the consultant author was strongly influenced by the 1960s open education movement. Because insiders effect school change, facilitators must go inside but…

Although the use of formal consulting networks based in higher education's professional associations has declined somewhat, other, less formal strategies for identifying colleague consultants show promise. Flexible networks are being built on the principle of cooperative self-help, without centralized facilitation, to enable colleges to find…

Discusses issues involved in the computerization of small, nonprofit organizations based on transcripts of a discussion with computer consultants. The use of consultants is discussed; organizational and personnel issues are addressed, including management involvement; and staff training methods are described. (LRW)

A private organization (Education Alternative, Inc.) is presently managing nine Baltimore public schools; Christopher Whittle's Edison Project is planning similar public school management projects; a private consulting company (Public Strategies Group) recently took charge of the Minneapolis public schools. Goaded by concerns about accountability…

A program in which Australian advisors provided technical assistance in Thailand demonstrated that traditional Western wisdom about the purposes of education and job training may conflict with the values of the recipient culture. Adaptation to the cultural context can obviate some of the difficulties. (SK)

When selecting diversity consultants, administrators should supervise hiring decisions, recognize that cheaper is not better, realize that good writers are not always good speakers, avoid interest-group advocates lacking political savvy, discourage consultants with destructive/disrespectful approaches, and accept partial responsibility for…