The purpose of this guide is to empower people to more effectively use data as information. To accomplish this, the publication explains what metadata are; why metadata are critical to the development of sound education data systems; what components comprise a metadata system; what value metadata bring to data management and use; and how to…

"Human capital"--the value of a worker to his enterprise--has been around as a concept at least since the Industrial Revolution. The term "human capital management" (HCM) started to gain currency in the 1950s, but as a business phenomenon, HCM did not really take off until the 1990s. These days, HCM is on the human resources agenda of thousands of…

The University of Pittsburgh has a 2-year agreement designating the Xerox Corporation as the primary supplier of word processing and related office automation equipment in order to increase productivity and more efficient use of campus resources. (MLF)

Describes the implementation of a FOCUS, a fourth-generation language (4GL) database management system for the St. Louis (Missouri) Public Schools, that allows for the analysis of individual department or school files and the districtwide file. (MLF)

Developed by the Sperry Corporation, MAPPER is an interactive report processing system that uses simple English-language commands. The system is used by departments at the State University of New York at Albany to access institutional data. (MLF)

Four articles discuss library uses of dBase III: (1) an interlibrary loan journal request file; (2) an acquisitions system; (3) customized multi-column output for reports; and (4) a circulation system. Program listings are included. (EM)

Focuses on the major issues faced by a school district throughout the implementation of a financial management information system. Describes how commercially available software was tailored to the specific needs of a Virginia school district. (MLF)

Describes a program for enrollment projections in sufficient detail to communicate the output generated and techniques utilized. Interspersed with the text are 14 tables. (MLF)

Besides redistricting problems engendered by higher elementary school enrollments (and decreasing secondary enrollments), school administrators face student transport challenges. Acquiring new routes and larger buses could be costly. This article advances computerized systems as the most cost-effective way to optimize routes and manage…

Describes LOTUS 1-2-3, an advanced spreadsheet with database and text manipulation functions that can be used with microcomputers by librarians to provide customized calculation and data acquisition tools. Macro commands and the menu system are discussed, and an example is given of an invoice procedure. (Author/LRW)

Describes a computer program designed to manage statistics about online searches which reports the number of searches by vendor, purpose, and librarian; calculates charges to departments and individuals; and prints monthly invoices to users with standing accounts. (CLB)

An automated list of bidders can be organized to provide an effective means of soliciting qualified suppliers to school districts. The system in Frederick County, Maryland, is described. (MLF)

Describes one medium-sized public library's use of dBase III to control the processing of videocassettes. Reformatting existing files, creating the database, and custom design of the program are explained. (EM)

Describes features of existing software packages for circulation control (borrower and item files, data capture and verification, issue, return, renewal, loan conditions, reservations, overdues, updating, and management information), and serials control (ordering, recording receipt, reader access, binding and financial control, listings, and…

For the past six years, Los Angeles County Office of Education (California) has used a state-of-the-art computerized transportation management system that produces $2 million annual net savings and provides prompt, accurate bus service for students, parents, and teachers. This article details routing and scheduling programs used. Includes seven…