Discusses the implementation of the OhioLINK (Ohio Library and Information Network) system, an integrated library system linking 23 public and private academic institutions and the Ohio State Library. Topics include a history of OhioLINK; organizational structure; decision-making procedures; public relations strategies; cooperative circulation;…

Describes organizational and planning strategies used to convince voters in the Park City (Utah) School District to approve two bond referendums. Offers 10 suggestions for conducting a successful school-bond campaign. (LMI)

A professional, effective, and efficient college alumni office is the key to linking loyal alumni and campus. A wise alumni administrator will also increase alumni participation through communication, become involved and influential in campus affairs, gain the support of the president, and offer a program valuable to constituents. (MSE)

Guidelines for college publications professionals seeking to improve their productivity include these: set priorities; consider the consequences of each project; spend minimal time on trivial tasks; focus on your goal; identify the slowest task, which may limit a project's effectiveness; make appointments; avoid taking work home; and schedule…

The department of computer services at Miami-Dade Community College (Florida) limits its monthly newsletter to one page and follows specific guidelines about content and format. The publication is used for communication, public relations, and recognition. This streamlined approach allows for efficient and consistent communication. (MSE)

A discussion of focus groups in college marketing planning looks at the applicability of the approach, describes important considerations in focus group research, and provides step-by-step guidelines for conducting such groups. The technique's advantages are illustrated in an actual case in which the approach saved valuable institutional…

The Pennsylvania State University national alumni admissions program involves alumni in direct recruitment of undergraduate students. This is a major service to the institution, increasing friends of the college and contacts with organizations, clubs, local high schools, and prospective students. Most important, it provides local contacts for…

The editor of a university magazine offers observations about writing and editing science-related articles, focusing on eliciting information during the interview with the researcher, deciding what to write and how to organize it, and rules for self-editing. (MSE)

Young college alumni have characteristics making it difficult to involve them in alumni activities: age, lack of money, lack of time, frequent moves, family responsibilities, and possibly intimidation by older alumni. Encouraging the involvement of young alumni means changing their beliefs, letting them develop their own programs, designating…

The author of a survey of 254 college public relations officers (HE 531 785) describes briefly the underlying definitions, design, and results of the study, and makes comparisons between this and an earlier study of college presidents. Discussion of methodology focuses on respondent characteristics and consistency of definition. (MSE)

Strategies for promoting French and French language instruction are described. In Norway, a French popular music promotion has been launched cooperatively by record producers in both countries; a Chinese program links like organizations in the two countries; and in Israel, an initiative focuses on French song. (MSE)

Four innovative ways in which a college (Bryant College, Rhode Island), two universities (University of Maryland and Chapman University (California), and a preparatory school (University Preparatory Academy, Washington) have made the most of media coverage are described. Ideas include using information technology to spread news, using…

Improving college stature is an ongoing and essential process needed to regain public support and trust. Administrators can elevate stature through specific techniques in innovative planning, resource allocation, outcomes assessment, and image management, and they can communicate better with the public. (MSE)

Ten strategies are offered to aid the special gifted class teacher to communicate better with parents, colleagues, and the local community. These include scheduling group parent meetings, encouraging parents to visit the class, using "one-minute" notes and phone calls to brief individual parents, and developing a program brochure. (DB)

Guidelines for planning for and receiving television news crews on campus are offered. Suggestions focus on initial response to the inquiry, logistical preparations, preparation of individuals on campus, choosing campus images to present, being helpful, ensuring smooth operation during the visit, and offering other interesting stories to the crew…