In a competitive bid situation, the general contractor's first priority is controlling construction costs. The actions the general contractor take focus on adequate control, effective communication, efficient use of resources, and prevention of delays. (MLF)

Successful completion of a construction project requires the efforts of a team composed of the owner, architect, and contractor. A preconstruction conference can clarify the roles of the team as specified in the design contract. (MLF)

Spokane (Washington) School District No. 81 has replaced 12 obsolete elementary schools and enlarged a thirteenth. A design competition involving three consortia of 10 local architectural firms and the use of a prototype design for all 12 new schools saved the school district about $8 million from the original estimate. (MLF)

Colleges and universities with mounting deficits may be tempted to sell surplus land for profit, but this is never a smart long-term choice. Through joint ventures and innovative financing, institutions can transform such holdings into development projects. In the current economy, there may be increased interest in such sites. (MSE)

A school building project in Spokane, Washington, will replace 12 inner-city elementary schools, expand a thirteenth, and construct a new high school. Substantial cost savings in both materials and design are expected to result from adapting a prototype design to existing sites. (Author/MLF)

For colleges and universities, development of underused assets can be compatible with or supportive of the institution's purpose and also be financially rewarding. Providing alumni retirement housing can enhance institutional ties with alumni, in turn boosting recruitment and fund raising. Successful development requires a unique blend of…

Suggests factors to be considered in planning a youth services department: (1) the public served; (2) kinds of materials included in the collection; (3) kinds of equipment available; (4) commitment to public service; (5) amenities for public comfort; (6) needs of library staff; and (7) integration of youth services into total library service. (MES)

A construction management firm and the architects working with the firm provided San Diego with ten elementary schools that were delivered on schedule, within cost, and met or exceeded the basic design criteria. (Author/MLF)

Temple University has embarked on major beautification projects of construction, renovation, restoration, and landscaping for the university's main campus and for the Health Sciences Center. (MLF)

Drafting insurance requirements in educational construction bid documents is a momentous task. Basic areas that must be addressed include worker's compensation, employers' liability, property insurance, motor vehicle liability, and public liability. Other coverages may be indicated for specific projects or locations. (MLF)

Some advice to administrators involved in building or renovating school buildings. (Author/MLF)

Considerations in the planning and construction of overseas college campuses are discussed, and the process followed by Webster University (Missouri) in developing four European campuses is described. Special issues arising in the conversion of one location from leased facilities to an institution-owned site, including zoning and construction…

Six City Technology Colleges (CTCs) were all site selected, built, and opened in under 2 years without being compromised by expense or loss of quality. This document examines this "fast-track" method of building projects using case studies of each school that illustrate the CTC concept and process. The CTC initiative is described…

Prepared as a planning guide, this document presents goals, objectives, and proposed activities to improve library services in the state of Washington. The long range plan for 1989-1993 is designed to serve as a framework for the annual programs during the 5-year period which are supported, fully or partially, with Library Services and…

This booklet provides guidelines and suggestions for planning school library media facilities. The intended audience is library media specialists; however, it is expected that administrators and architects may also find it useful. The importance of helping the architect understand the school media center's unique mission and relevant educational…