Reviews nine major publications on the development of Universal Availability of Publications (UAP). Highlights include difficulties of UAP, which are also those of post-1971 programs of UNESCO and International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA); five main UAP elements (publication, supply, acquisition, interlending, retention); and…

This critical evaluation of bibliographic aids in the field of Latin Americana outlines the content and value of six recent aids published in Mexico which are useful tools for acquisitions librarians, bookshops, and individuals and organizations. Full bibliographical details and addresses of lesser known publishers are given in footnotes. (EJS)

Suggests decision making techniques that can be used to estimate the consequences of choosing alternative courses of action, to select an optimum strategy, or to determine how sensitive predicted outcomes are to particular assumptions. Microcomputer use, quantitative techniques, and examples involving item reordering and adoption of word…

This essay addresses factors that influence a customer's perception of the value of online information delivery services: evident costs, uncertain return, long-term return, not directly productive, overhead expense, and differential use. Roles assumed in acquiring and using information services (purchasers, searchers, consumers), price, and…

This paper explores features of automated acquisitions systems now implemented and discusses features that might be implemented in the next few years. Distributed acquisitions, ordering, receiving, reconciliation, management reporting, and collection development (selection of current materials, retrospective purchasing, and comparative…

This paper examines the environmental impacts of replacing the Bison, South Dakota School District's elementary and high school heating system consisting of oil-fired boilers, and supporting electrical components with a new coal-fired boiler and supporting control system piping. Various alternative systems are also examined, including purchasing a…

A study examined the type and extent of consumer education that occurred since the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) amended the 1972 federal safety standards (effective January 1997) to permit marketing of snug-fitting, nonflame-resistant cotton garments as sleepwear. Three voluntary point-of-sale (POS) practices recognized as important…

Itemizes planning proposals to facilitate conversion of the educational system to metrics, including administrative committees and personnel training courses. Suggestions for purchasing materials and equipment refer the reader to several specific titles. (WM)

A product review of the technological hardware necessary to the implementation of individualized instruction software'' programs. (Author/EA)

A guide to the ordering process which includes assessing needs, specifying, receiving, stocking and using expendable shop items. (Editor)

Successful furniture purchasing depends on knowing not only the institution's needs but also the effect of the market on purchasing. (Editor)

Provides general overview of most popular microcomputer hardware (tape cassette-based, cartridge-based, disk-based) noting display, keyboard, system characteristics, and price. Discussion of available educational software includes commercial publishers, nonprofit educational agencies, free or low-cost software, and authoring languages and test…

Objective evaluations of whether to repair or replace existing school equipment depend on an equipment inventory, evaluation of equipment suitability, and knowledge of repair possibilities and costs. (MLF)

Suggestions are made for choosing microcomputers for instructional design. Elements discussed include hardware (system components, selection procedures, operations and hardware); equipment suppliers; software development (database management, simulation); and implementation (acquisition of hardware, probable difficulties). (CT)