Describes the nature of natural monopolies, in which subsidies are necessary to ensure adequate production of a good, and argues that scholarly journals form a natural monopoly. The natural monopoly model is used to explain how scholarly publishing can be a profitable enterprise, and the possible impact of electronic publishing systems is…

Describes the experiences of four library automation projects that involved multitype library networks. Areas discussed include forces acting on libraries, the growth and development of the library marketplace, the increasing complexity and interrelationships of automated systems and the profound impact of such systems on libraries. (CLB)

Defines functionally inaccessible materials as those that have gone through the library's traditional bibliographic processes, but cannot be retrieved when searched by library patrons. Typical examples are given and possible causes are discussed, including traditional cataloging practices and cost considerations. Methods for recognizing functional…

A cost-benefit analysis of the impact of nonresident higher education students on the economy of West Virginia during 1985-86 is described. The return on investment, a benefit-to-cost ratio of 3.02, represents the net economic impact on West Virginia's state and local economies. (Author/MLW)

Examines optical data disk online databases as an alternative to dial access online databases and concludes that optical data disk systems are overpriced, undersized, technologically dull, and often deceptively packaged. Eight responses to the article by selected readers are provided. (CLB)

Discusses various aspects of the application of optical data disk (CD-ROM) technology in libraries. Topics discussed include the need to acquire information directly from optical data disk experts; characteristics of reference works that make them amenable to conversion; barriers to the application of this technology; innovations currently being…

Defines the domains that specific hypertext environments (DSHE) represent and examines DSHE for the domains of journal and book publishing, insurance policy management, and software engineering. The discussion covers seven dimensions along which the power of DSHE can be defined; organizational costs; and topics for further investigation. (27…

Defines the range of interventions considered under the rubric of counseling for the elderly. Uses evaluation of treatments for depression among the elderly to exemplify the current state of outcome-evaluation research. (Author)

In 1968, the New York State Legislature, following recommendations of a commission chaired by McGeorge Bundy, authorized direct aid to certain private colleges and universities in the state. This paper summarizes the economic costs and benefits of "Bundy aid" and concludes that the program was not cost-effective. Includes 13 references.…

Many school business officials have turned to computer equipment leasing. A lease arrangement permits administrators to stretch annual budgets, to appropriate funds, and to easily upgrade or change equipment. Another alternative to high-cost computer purchase is to buy or lease used equipment. (MLF)

Describes the advances in telecommunications and compact storage technologies that make it possible for electronic bookmobiles to provide a full range of information services. The feasibility of the widespread use of such bookmobiles is considered in view of the high cost of the technologies involved. (19 references) (CLB)

Examines the electronic polling process (telephone polling that uses synthesized or digitized voice). Compares the process with two similar telephone polls and provides a basic cost efficiency comparison between the polls. Finds that digitized systems place more calls but get lower response rates than regular phone surveys. (MM)

Describes a Colorado school district's efforts to design and construct a compact, efficient, space-saving elementary school adapted to a wooded, aesthetically pleasing site. The project's complete cost, including interior furnishings and equipment, came to $52.60 per gross square foot, or $4,189 per student. The community is inordinately proud of…

The study examining the validity of statistical conclusions of 49 early intervention studies found that 4 percent had adequate power to detect medium intervention effects and 18 percent to detect large intervention effects. Low statistical conclusion validity has practical consequences in program evaluation and cost-effectiveness determinations.…

The reductionist argument against establishing a universal database to document nursing's contributions to patient outcomes is refuted, and the need to make nursing a more visible and valued profession is emphasized. (MSE)