The American Library Association (ALA) 1987 Midwinter Conference was characterized by process, particularly the new planning process which threatens to drain ALA's money and leadership energy away from the substantive issues that need attention, such as the next Librarian of Congress's qualifications and services to minorities and the poor. (EM)

Uses systems perspective to analyze psychological and social forces which may limit support that families who are losing their farms seek from their neighbors and that their neighbors offer them. Discusses nonhelp intended as help, blaming victims, farm community values, and other factors that make farm family in crisis pull back from neighbors.…

If universities are to deal with the problems of declining enrollment and funding, they must combine both political and economic considerations, placing more responsibility on the administrators who now have to decide not only what to do but how to do it. (MLW)

Details strategies used by community colleges to successfully manage the financial risk inherent in performance contracting. Compares the results of training under the Job Training Partnership Act and California's Employment Training Panel from the perspective of a college administrator. (AYC)

This article points out that despite desegregation, many black students prefer to attend historically black colleges; they feel more comfortable and socially accepted at a school where they are not in the minority. The article discusses the role of black colleges, student aid, support systems, and fiscal troubles. (Author/CT)

Survey of 20 community mental health centers in 12 Midwest grain belt farm states found continuum of farm crisis problems requires professional responses consistent with philosophy and goals of community mental health. Results indicate responses vary, not in relationship to severity of problems, but because of center philosophy and resource…

Surveys the effect of legislation mandating health instruction within schools and the value of this legislation during a period of fiscal crisis using information from Massachusetts school systems. Attempts to discover the extent to which schools offered health programs, effect of the 1974 law on health education programs, and value of this law…

Responses to a Life Events Schedule were obtained from 408 elderly respondents at both phases of an 18-month longitudinal investigation. Answers to the following questions were sought: What are the usual forms of stress that an elderly person may experience within a specified time period? and How are these stress events structurally related?…

Student loans have become an essential ingredient of financial planning for college. The Guaranteed Student Loan Program's default rate is over 10 percent. World Bank and other international data suggest three solutions: longer repayment terms, graduated repayment schedules, and forgiveness for individuals choosing public service. (8 references)…

Reviews the state of South Asian studies in American universities. Focuses on language instruction, a trend toward specialization in particular countries or regions, and the decline of popular interest in South Asia. Reports on the need for new funding to replace the Federal Program, PL 480, whose excess currency fund of rupees is almost…

Justification for the teaching of comparative and international education for historical, academic, and financial purposes is offered in this article. (Author/DF)

The author examines the social and economic forces affecting adventitiously blinded men in terms of goal setting, family life, attitudes, status, and income. Case records suggest that adventitiously blinded male must set realistic employment goals and make personal and social adjustments or risk facing a life of dependency. (Author/CL)

Surveys completed by 11 teachers and 3 administrators revealed decreases in staff morale, availability of therapeutic services, funds for replacement and purchase of materials, and level of service to families. Findings are discussed in terms of short-term and long-term implications for early childhood special education and teacher training.…

The findings from part 1 of the seventh annual American School Board Journal survey of school board members are reported. Board members listed their 14 most pressing concerns, with lack of financial support foremost; other concerns are listed by region, in order of the percentage who expressed each concern. (TE)

Uncertain financial times for colleges and universities, particularly liberal arts institutions, are going to impose serious constraints on the future growth of the American professoriate. Subsequent reductions in the professorial ranks may not be catastrophic, but are certain to come. (LBH)