Explores implications of subjective factors that influence rating processes upon which formal performance appraisal systems are based and presents a strategy for addressing this problem which utilizes the critical incident method to focus objectively on employee behavior. A performance feedback worksheet to be utilized with this appraisal method…

Six prominent consultants consider the technical dimensions of retrospective conversion, the appropriate standards to employ, the proper relationship of conversion activities to the entire automation project, and several options available for converting a bibliographic database into machine-readable format: online or batch shared cataloging…

Using two case studies, this article outlines the obstacles involved in building effective partnerships between university researchers and school practitioners. Recommendations to make partnerships constructive are offered. (Author/MT)

Addresses problems encountered by self-taught "talented amateurs" doing microcomputer systems work for libraries: not maintaining design control, not maintaining operational control, attempting to use someone else's database, having variety of diverse systems activity converging on common database, attempting to run whole show, and…

This essay on the management of microcomputer use in organizations highlights problem areas associated with the central issue of control: acquisition of hardware and software, compatibility, security, data integrity, training, documentation, and the isolation factor. Establishment of a microcomputer information center for education, promotion,…

Study of young adult literature found that both formula romance fiction and contemporary realistic fiction reflect problems young people face daily. Three problem-concern areas were addressed by an average of 32.81% of romance books and 30.13% of realistic fiction--personal, intrafamily, and interpersonal. Romance books studied are listed. (14…

Addresses some lingering problems with production and use of color microforms, e.g., reliable microfilm emulsion, color temperature, and image fading; and reports on recent advances in color stability and accuracy and international efforts to standardize production. (MBR)

Describes several common problems that can interfere with the smooth functioning of microcomputers and outlines specific procedures that can be performed at home to correct faulty chips, circuit board and disk drive problems, and problems caused by excessive heat, static electricity, and magnetic fields. (MBR)

Three articles address the relationship between a library and the vendor of its automated system from several points of view: library-initiated vendor abandonment, vendor-initiated abandonment, nonperforming vendor and nonfunctioning system, and changing systems. Acceptance testing and financial, personnel, and legal aspects of vendor abandonment…

Using a basic vocabulary and simple model, this paper discusses four options available at the level of the individual bibliographic database for resolving conflicts in MARC exchange: addition, deletion, modification, and superimposition. Costs and benefits of each option and impacts on MARC exchange are noted. (Fourteen references are cited.) (EJS)

Discussion of issues arising from relations between libraries and vendors of computer systems highlights factors influencing how vendors respond to system problems, how libraries could help themselves, purchasing non-existent systems, integrated system dream, and advice on ameliorating problems once an off-the-shelf software system has been…

Gives a brief history of NCTE and the people involved in its early years on the University of Illinois campus and describes how the organizations has lost the intellectual center that is most important to professionalism as opposed to craftsmanship. (CRH)

Praises NCTE's early years and its development of subgroups that took stands on ethical issues and calls for it to continue taking stands rather than to become a purveyor of basic skills. (CRH)

Urges that English departments can help university administrators rediscover the many contributions their faculties and courses can make to the institution at large. (MM)

Lack of awareness of the concept-scale interaction problem frequently causes misuse of the semantic differential technique by educational researchers. Evidence is presented to demonstrate the interaction, and a simple method of mitigating the problem is suggested. (Author/AV)