A cost-effectiveness analysis evaluating manual and automated circulation systems is described. The methodology identifies all automation costs and real changes in effectiveness. (Author/KP)

Describes a language-arts assignment for a group of 7th and 8th grade students. Its intent was to impress the inter-relatedness of the separate language-arts skills upon students and to inspire them to produce a colorful and purposeful presentation of their writing ability. (Author/RK)

The authors describe the process undertaken by the University of Michigan School of Nursing to identify an appropriate data collection instrument for the evaluation of their master's program. They concluded that the Graduate Program Self-Assessment instrument was appropriate for that project's needs. (CH)

Notes that finding appropriate, statistically sound means of collecting data is important step in developing research. Presents goal attainment scaling and semantic differential as two flexible, reliable, and valid data-collection methodologies useful for practitioners. Provides procedural instructions and examples for constructing each…

Describes the conspectus collection evaluation process and its utility to smaller libraries, as demonstrated by the Library and Information Resources for the Northwest project. The discussion includes the costs of this method in staff time, the value of a completed conspectus, and problems with the methodology. (13 notes with references) (CLB)

Teachers concerned about excessive testing may be depriving themselves of useful information provided by standardized achievement tests and their own exams. Teachers tend to separate testing from teaching. This article explores the relationship among data collection, curriculum planning, and instruction and gauges the impacts of mandated…

This article summarizes the accomplishments of the Bureau of Labor Statistics in implementing several of the Levitan Commission's recommendations to improve labor data and in conducting activities preparatory to the adoption of others. Examines changes in the Current Population Survey program, Current Employment Statistics surveys, and use of the…

Examines problem areas of training needs analysis (TNA), first by presenting a model of the TNA process, then by listing sources of data available for TNA (based on an analysis of the literature), and finally by proposing a method of choosing appropriate data-gathering techniques for TNA. (CT)

Describes the formation of the Child Language Data Exchange System (CHILDES), a system formed to foster the sharing of computerized data on language acquisition. Details the governance of the system, the nature of the database, the shape of the coding conventions, and the types of computer programs being developed. (SED)

Describes database and index design and data collection methods for compilation of the National Tune Index, a comprehensive, multifaceted tool for research in and analysis of eighteenth century American and British secular music, restoration of early American theater works, and identification of specific tune or text fragments. (MBR)

Understanding the fundamentals of data acquisition and control is an important part of learning about the use of small computers in chemistry. Data acquisition and control principles can be taught at moderate equipment cost using micrcomputer game ports. Therefore, the components of the Apple II microcomputer game port are described. (JN)

Discusses the new information possibilities available to educational administrators, pointing out that the most useful role of computers is to provide meaningful data to improve decision making. Outlines a three-phase approach to computerizing school districts. (MD)

Reviews the Council of Chief State School Officers' effort to establish a nationwide system of educational indicators. Suggests the benefits of such a system. (MCG)

The detrimental effects of nonresponse bias are particularly significant given the widespread use of the survey data collection method in educational surveys. Current methods for remediating nonresponse bias in educational surveys are explored and critiqued. (Author/LMO)

Results of a Bureau of Labor Statistics study suggest that the direct contribution of research and development to postwar productivity growth was between 0.1 and 0.2 percent annually in the nonfarm business sector; research and development had no substantial effect on the post-1973 productivity slowdown. (Author)