The development and implementation of centralized information systems in the public sector are addressed. Focus is on such systems where a central government agency is collecting information from a number of similar institutions, such as hospitals and colleges. The approach of the Ontario College Information System is described. (Author/LBH)

Discusses the social work intake study as a guide to purposeful intervention, with emphasis on a systems perspective, recognition of the network of social roles, social interaction and cultural factors. Suggests a conceptual scheme for the organization of an intake study, with data related to client's motivation, capacity and opportunity. (BF)

Discusses a method of evaluating results of child protective services which uses a comprehensive checklist of indicators of abuse and neglect. Also explains how the evaluation instrument was developed and explores its uses at the service delivery level, including its use as a diagnostic aid in quantifying family problems normally assessed…

A survey was conducted of primary schools and the communities they serve in the two anglophone provinces of Cameroon in 1974/75, as part of a program of research preceding curricular reform in that country. (Editor)

Each of four segments (reaction, learning, behavior, and results) in the process for evaluating training programs is analyzed in terms of evidence versus proof of program effectiveness. (EM)

An attempt was made to give a brief overview of the methods used in gathering information about philanthropic foundations and their influence on educational practice and educational policy. This paper reported on nine foundations, all of which have demonstrated a sustained though variegated interest in education. (Author/RK)

The difficulties in collecting data on library inventories and expenditures are discussed first by Heron in a reply to Machlup's earlier book, and then by Machlup in a rebuttal. (LBH)

A Hierarchical Management Information System (HMIS) provides decision-making as well as operational information to all groups of the institution in a timely and predictable manner. Its operational aspects and benefits are discussed. (Author/LBH)

Considers some of the differences between "qualitative" and "quantitative" types of research, suggests three kinds of strategies for identifying qualitatively derived models and data that could be useful in collaboration across orientations, and concludes with some remarks on implications of both types of research. (Author/JM)

This paper makes the case for the creation, testing and perfection of a new economic institution--a local consumer information system. The heart of the system would be a data bank to which the consumer could address questions and receive answers repeatedly regarding the local market. (Editor)

Computer-assisted observer training of 12 college students using interactive videotapes produced observational repertoires that accurately reflected a wide range of targeted events. Maintenance (thinning feedback) and nonmaintenance (no feedback) training generated equivalent degrees of observational accuracy. Data indicated the standard practice…

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)

A method for ordering persons and items when all responses are ordinal was developed and applied to several sets of questionnaire data (from undergraduates) and one set of archeological data. The method provides a possible nonparametric treatment of data usually treated by more traditional psychometric methods. (SLD)

Discusses difficulties faced by student services professionals when conducting assessments and evaluations. Demonstrates the applicability of telephone surveys to meet assessment and evaluation data collection needs, comparing telephone surveying to traditional data collection techniques. Outlines steps in telephone survey planning. (Author/NB)