Summarizes procedures of the Houston Independent School District's Technology Hardware Selection Committee for demonstrations of microcomputer products being considered for purchase, including identification of user needs, turning needs into specifications, and seeing the computer demonstrate that it can meet those needs. Committee…

Information and resources are provided for teachers in developing a unit to help students become smarter consumers and understand the purposes of merchandise packaging. (DF)

Presents overview of special considerations in developing microcomputer software collections, review of standardized cataloging practices, and discussion of problems of selection and acquisition of software. Policies governing loan procedures for microcomputer software which involve four types of copy protection (patent, trade secret, contract,…

Briefly discusses the functions of microcomputer storage devices, printers, plotters, modems, speech devices, light pens, and touch panels. Capabilities of peripherals in various price ranges are compared to assist the personal computer owner in selecting devices appropriate to his needs. (MBR)

Briefly discusses strategies for cutting the cost of purchasing school supplies, stressing the potential advantages of cooperative buying groups and of purchasing supplies directly from the manufacturer whenever possible. (JG)

This paper presents advice on what questions to ask and what points to consider when purchasing classroom furniture. The suggested questions help purchasers determine how safe and appropriate the furniture is for a particular age group. The paper also provides easy-to-use references that cover planning a furniture purchase, making the actual…

This updated, two-volume document provides guidance for those involved in the educational facilities procurement process, and includes recent legislative changes affecting the state of Florida's building code. The first volume is organized by the sequence of steps required in the facilities procurement process and presents state requirements for…

This manual provides school foodservice management with information for purchasing conventional foodservice production equipment using a decision-making process and critical pathway approach. Chapters are organized by each phase of the decision-making process, and purchasing tips are highlighted throughout the guide to give suggestions, or alert…

Gives some examples of schemes for defrauding consumers and discusses the principles of consumer protection. (GB)

By having a university 'stores' set up with a blanket order with about 115 local vendors, a university has eliminated petty cash disbursements for small purchases and proliferating purchase orders. (Author/PG)

Evaluations of out-of-print book dealers supplying the California State University, Northridge, library show that most titles are received within nine months from the date of the list. This article suggests that academic libraries should establish purchasing standards and discloses methods of locating books that dealers consider most effective. (1…

A survey of 784 school board members representing all geographic areas and all size school districts showed that boards are becoming more aggressive in their exercise of legal authority to act in school matters. This strong board activity is very evident in purchasing. (Author/JF)

Urges that durability of equipment is not the only criteria for purchasing. Rather, equipment should be purchased for its continued usability a few years hence. (JF)