Discusses issues related to formula funding and budgeting in higher education, in general, and in academic libraries, specifically. The strengths and weaknesses of state funding formulas and academic library budgeting formulas are evaluated, based on a survey of libraries in eight states. The role of coordinating agencies and structures is also…

Faculty members must understand the actual finances of educational institutions in order to achieve less biased allocations. Increased faculty awareness of total resources can help shift allocation patterns, making institutional resources more effective in accomplishing the mission of higher education. (MLW)

Asserts that, although many arguments in favor of user fees for library services are based on economics, little economic benefit is actually gained by levying charges for some services. A microeconomics model that has been used to demonstrate the benefits of user fees is critiqued, and the issue of accountability is discussed. (23 references) (CLB)

Data from a survey of 88 computer-assisted instruction (CAI) projects suggests that (1) costs of CAI include far more than computer hardware, (2) CAI is not always more cost effective than other alternatives, and (3) underutilization of CAI delivery systems reduces cost effectiveness. (IAH)

Cost information influences many decisions managers and school administrators make. A well-conceived cost analysis promotes financial control and accountability, and should be used as a mainstream management activity in nonprofit organizations in order for them to become more cost-conscious and efficient. Two case studies are presented. (VM)

Discusses the need for research libraries to develop a greater sense of financial accountability, both from a moral standpoint and to provide better services. Topics covered include areas where cost benefit tradeoffs have been neglected, possible consequences of not becoming accountable, and the debate over user fees. (12 references) (CLB)

Examines the factors that indicate slowing economic growth in the United States and their possible impact on library funding and expenditures. Areas discussed include government funding of libraries, regional economic differences, the increasing prices of library materials, and the overall economic outlook for libraries. (CLB)

Illustrates statistical data on spending money for research and development in chemistry and chemical engineering. The data is presented by overview, federal government, industry, universities and colleges, and international. Provides many tables and graphs. (YP)

Bull markets and increased giving boosted the total value of major college endowments more than $8-billion in fiscal 1993. In addition, despite financial pressures, colleges are enforcing budgetary discipline and restraining spending from their endowment income. A table details the market value of 437 major institutional endowments for June 30,…

Reports the results of "Library Journal's" 1995 national budget survey of 1,624 small, medium, and large public libraries which asked how funding changed over the last fiscal year. Per capita spending, materials budget, salaries, political issues, and staffing are discussed, and tables show survey results. (LRW)

An examination of data on school expenditures between 1966-1967 and 1990-1991 in nine school districts chosen as representative of districts nationwide revealed that most of the new resources going to public education in the last 25 years was spent to achieve goals other than academic achievement for students in the regular school program. (MLF)

District-level fiscal equity, when achieved, will not necessarily result in a fairer distribution of educational resources. School-level inequities generally exceed those found at the district level in most states. If districts were required to distribute funds to schools on a per-pupil basis, school-level equalization could be accomplished…

While conventional wisdom says that college and university endowment spending policies must retain the real economic value of their endowments over the long term, senior administrators and trustees should review endowment spending regularly and determine what excess dollars are available for investment in programs, infrastructure, and other high…

Discusses efforts at the Montana State University (Bozeman) library to promote use of census data. Describes instructional sessions, and budgetary and service issues faced by depository libraries providing access to census data in electronic formats. Also includes copies of handouts from the instructional sessions. (Author/AEF)

Explores the extent of information technology (IT) adoption in Hong Kong, the perceived benefits of IT, and the problems encountered in adopting IT, based on a postal survey of 116 companies. Topics include government policy, previous studies, annual expenditures on IT, IT personnel, IT applications, software used, and problems. (Author/LRW)