Lists computer programs selected on basis of following criteria: (1) applicability or easy adaptability to academic or research library environment; (2) operative on three microcomputer brands found in academic and research libraries; (3) good or excellent reviews appearing in software magazines; (4) price ranging from $50-$350. Vendor addresses…

Reviews features of front-end software packages (interface between user and online system)--database selection, search strategy development, saving and downloading, hardware and software requirements, training and documentation, online systems and database accession, and costs--and discusses gateway services (user searches through intermediary…

Describes administrative computer use in the Concord (NH) School District. Applications discussed include procurement, cash flow and investment, accounting and control, and teacher contracts, all performed with in-house programs. (MCG)

College purchasing officers need to dispel their image as penny-pinchers looking for the low bid and purveyors of paperwork who keep employees from the products they want. With competitive bidding and consortium buying, universities have realized significant savings. (MLW)

Presents an informal report of seminar entitled "Learned Journals: The Problem of Pricing and Buying Round," held in London on March 22, 1985, in attempt to answer charges of discriminatory pricing. Price differential of British scholarly journals, costs, marketing, and role of subscription agent are discussed. Seven sources are given.…

Relates experiences in selecting and implementing a word processor in Technical Information Services Office of Institute for Defense Analyses. Highlights include needs assessment; selecting the system (system functions, vendor reputation); recommendation and justification; implementation plan (training, developing procedures, catalog cards,…

Defines and discusses the equipment and software needed to start telecommunicating: modems (speed, autodial or manual dial, stand-alone or built-in), telephones, telecommunications software, and commercial information services, including electronic mail and bulletin boards. Definitions, communications protocols, equipment features, and costs are…

Discusses print quality, speed, print modes, buffers, and character sets of daisy-wheel and dot-matrix printers; briefly reviews features needed to print graphics and color; and presents a chart listing over 30 typical daisy-wheel and dot-matrix printers for comparison of features and price. (MBR)

Describes process by which faculty member committee at Drexel University selected a microcomputer to be purchased by all freshmen beginning winter term, 1983-84. Considerations in decision (critical audience, computer power, degree of innovation, user interface, graphics, sound, growth capacity, cost to student and university, and source of…

Lists seven steps to help in making sound decisions when purchasing educational tutorial software. They include considering all possible options; ordering software on an approval basis; running programs from start to finish many times, focusing on a different aspect each time; and completing the software evaluation form that is provided. (MBR)

This paper helps all those concerned with keeping schools clean and properly maintained in adopting healthier cleaning and maintenance practices and promoting the purchase and use of environmentally preferable products which perform well and are cost effective. It explains how children are exposed to toxic chemicals in school cleaning and…

A satellite seminar on large-scale food production equipment discusses ways child nutrition personnel can maximize use of existing equipment, considers research related to use of existing equipment, explains plan reviews for equipment selection and purchase, and explores new equipment options. Examples illustrate use of planning or modernizing…

Before purchasing heating and air conditioning equipment and services, get expert advice on basic considerations, costs, and safety factors. (Author/WM)

Discusses current financial problems encountered in chemistry and chemical engineering departments, including declining federal support of fellowships and equipment purchases and increasing enrollment in first and second year chemistry. Predicts that the problem of replacing obsolete and worn out equipment will become most acute in the future. (CC)