Suggests sources for reviews of available software, and provides seven guidelines for selecting appropriate software: know your objectives; check on software compatibility and available support; consider brand names first; check evaluations, copying restrictions, and documentation. Suggestions for taking care of software and a discussion of word…

A study investigated the influence of various information sources on graduate students' communicative, social, and academic expectations. Specifically, the study examined whether (1) those students who received preentry information about a university from an informal source would perceive that more of their expectations were met than would those…

This general introduction to educational uses of microcomputers provides basic information to assist educators, parents, and concerned citizens in implementing microcomputer programs in the schools. An overview and brief history of educational computing is followed by suggestions which emphasize the need for planning, including pitfalls to avoid,…

Social studies instruction using a variety of data sources engages elementary school children in relatively autonomous collecting, organizing, and evaluating of data--processes necessary for exercising sound judgment and taking appropriate action. (RM)

Recommends that potential educational software purchasers examine publications containing software reviews, become involved in workshops that develop evaluation criteria for technical issues and instructional considerations of educational software, and obtain samples of actual software free of charge for review. Suggested periodicals for software…

Lists nine steps camps can follow to insure successful use of national forests. Steps are identifying national forest resources; matching expectations with the right setting; using recreation opportunity guides; planning for safety; practicing forest etiquette; practicing fire prevention; knowing the forest environment; participating in volunteer…

This document proposes a model of the decision making process required of research libraries when they embark on digital conversion projects. A series of questions are offered that focus on facilitating the decision making process for library managers. Questions of what and how to digitize are placed in the larger framework of collection building…

Discussion of public access microcomputer service areas in public libraries covers walk-in access, software/hardware circulation, online call-in services, and special programs. Principles for successful public access programs are also discussed, including hardware/software selection. Problems relating to equipment breakdown, diskette storage, and…

Examines two studies (n=18, n=103) of high school students' approaches to college choice, using a "brand elimination" approach to consumer decision making and analyzing each stage of the student decision process. A salient finding was that different sources of information are important to the student at different stages of college selection. (MSE)

Existing evaluation data sources for educational software need to be supplemented by local judgments since evaluation processes differ depending on the ultimate user and purpose for which the information is gathered. School districts should select evaluation models and modify them for local need based on utility, feasibility, propriety and…

Small colleges' and universities' personnel organizations have major differences in needs and functions, but small colleges can take practical measures to handle their needs, including: direct lines of authority from the president, preparation of a staff handbook, and use of consultants, professional associations, written resources, training…

Guidelines for college staff who have been assigned a new role of planning are presented. Advice for assessing the situation at the campus and developing a planning strategy is offered, and a framework for analyzing the planners' role, institutional needs, and planning activities is suggested. A bibliographic "roadmap" for the field of…

The extent to which students in preprofessional programs used academic resources to assist them in making decisions about a change of major or college was studied. Undergraduates who changed majors were expected to rely primarily on the University Bulletin for program information. (MLW)

Early development of college fact books, with origins in statistical reports of organizations, parallels the development of institutional research. The fact book, most visible of all institutional research reports, reflects the accomplishments and status of institutional research as an integral part of higher education, as data and decision-making…

This book addresses two areas of need in a curriculum materials center--where to find curriculum materials for acquisition and how to organize these materials for efficient and effective access once they are acquired. The book is arranged in two parts: "Acquiring and Organizing the Collection" and "Resources." The book brings together many…