The manager of a corporate library describes five strategies for special libraries to increase services and resources without increasing staff or budgets: automation, reorganization, using temporarily available employees, using in-house services, and participatory management. (Author/EM)

In Hammond, IN, the hierarchical structure of authority typical of most school districts is on its way out. With school based committees making more decisions, teachers are having a say in all matters that affect them and their students. Includes an interview with teacher and union leader, Patrick O'Rourke (Author/LHW)

Decision making was studied in 55 public secondary schools in New Jersey. Aston's methodology was used and showed that principals who shared decison making had teachers who were more loyal, satisfied, and described the authority structure as less rigid. A distinction was made between delegated and joint decison making. (author/dc).

Describes problems in faculty evaluation and performance appraisal and presents assumptions and features of newer alternative faculty evaluation systems. A strategy for developing systems which is based on organizational change theory is discussed. This system involves use of committees and structured phases for faculty input. (MBR)

Education reform has wrongly focused on teacher motivation and rewards, when the organizational system itself is at fault. Research shows that effective school management hinges on increased individual discretion and decision-making opportunities for teachers and less controlling behavior by administrators. Ten characteristics of effective…

Proposes a faculty retreat as an opportunity to approach decision-making through consensus-building strategies. Identifies four decision-making stages and outlines techniques to be used at each stage. (JM)

Describes a study of: (1) Illinois community college faculty's impact on institutional decisions regarding personnel status, academic operations, administrator selection, financial planning and policy, and professional duties; (2) the impact of collective bargaining on faculty's decision-making role; and (3) the relationship between contextual…

Advocates using unassigned, student-generated topics for writing assignments. (EL)

The simultaneous presence of faculty growth and a sense of faculty community can help a good school really shine. This article explores ways in which a school environment supporting these two factors can be developed and maintained, using the private Sidwell Friends Lower School in Washington, D.C., as an example. (PGD)

A holistic organizational structure that encourages faculty involvement in pursuit of excellence is critical to the future of higher education. At the same time, the mainstreaming of continuing professional education, while vital to institutional growth, must address the development of academic integrity in that field. (SK)

Theory Z is a form of management which stresses consensual, participative decision making through quality circles. Replacement of the hierarchical school district organization by self-direction and trust within the educational community can lead to commitment, loyalty, and motivation. Cooperation in equal partnership ends the adversarial…

Presents three aims of effective home-school-community relations programs: involving parents and other citizens in making decisions related to the school's program, fostering ongoing multidirectional communication, and using community resources to enrich the school's total educational program. (HOD)

Through early cooperation and participation of the architect with the educational facility planner and various school staff and community members, it is possible to design and construct schools that will meet the needs of the educational program. Responsibilities of the team members are listed. (Author/MLF)

Social theories have long proclaimed the advent of the postindustrial era. In this era, a new paradigm will emerge which will utilize negotiation as the major problem-solving strategy; planning which emphasizes process rather than goal; and change strategies emphasizing the client, group dynamics, and knowledge from the behavioral sciences.…

"The Link" is a periodical published by the Child Welfare League. The Child Welfare League of America is the nation's oldest and largest membership-based child welfare organization. They are committed to engaging people everywhere in promoting the well-being of children, youth, and their families and protecting every child from harm. This issue of…