Discussion of relevancy in information retrieval systems focuses on an analysis of the efficiency of various cluster-based retrieval (CBR) strategies. A method for combining CBR and inverted index search is proposed that is cost effective in terms of time efficiency; and results of experiments are reported. (Contains 32 references.) (LRW)

Suggests that neoclassical economics has dominated educational planning and policy analysis for 20 years, despite ongoing economics debates generating different positions on planning issues. Considers the views of radical and institutionalist economists and implications for educational planning. Questions both the validity of the efficiency…

Examines studies that evaluate public access systems spanning experiments, field tests, and prototypes, and discusses quality control, cost-effectiveness, and issues for future research. Results suggest that system designers and developers need to be more selective in the type of evaluations they conduct; and there is a need for comparative…

Reviews the background and features of digital multimedia instruction, and discusses the benefits and limitations. Applications and future trends are described, and the major areas of applications--education, training, and entertainment--are identified. (Author/AEF)

The institutional self-study required by a university hospital's reaccreditation process is explored, with a discussion of benefits and costs. A reaction by C. F. Waltz and A. Belcher reaffirms the value of reaccreditation studies and discusses ways of minimizing costs without compromising comprehensiveness and utility of results. (SLD)

Describes the Community Systems initiative, a collaborative project underway in Ontario to involve neighborhood residents, broad community networks, government, and nongovernmental organizations in the support of children and families. The initiative's goal is to improve the well-being of children, youth, and their families by finding ways to use…

The area of finance should be the first one to be automated or upgraded with computers. After a needs analysis, a computer consultant will work with management to determine a realistic budget that will get the most computing power for the dollars available. Offers 10 tips for working with consultants. (MLF)

Surveys traditional rural library outreach services as well as new activities incorporating advanced technology. Highlights include problems of cost and distance, bookmobiles, books by mail, deposit collections, video, rural health care information systems, Department of Agriculture extension services, and programs sponsored by colleges and…

Defines the success of Japanese education as a high level of average academic achievement for an entire student population accomplished at relatively low cost. Discusses various contextual explanations, including motivational, cultural, societal, administrative, and behavioral differences. Underscores Japanese civilization's overall stability,…

Examined the effectiveness of small sets of predictor variables for correctly identifying children as developmentally delayed at four to seven years of age. A combination of six biomedical risk items, maternal education level, and four subscale scores from the Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment Inventory is effective when used as…

The goals of authors and readers must be satisfied in order for electronic publishing to succeed. Requirements include timely and widespread dissemination, low creation and distribution costs, peer review, and feedback. The goals of communication, collaboration, interactive publication, and quality can be met with e-mail, listservs, bulletin…

Although student-activity funds usually represent a small portion of school-system monies, their very nature makes them a high risk. Outlines three steps for maintaining an efficient and effective system of controls over student-activity funds: (1) identifying control issues; (2) designing a control system; and (3) using checks and balances.…

Describes the evaluation of four hypertext microcomputer-based software packages for use in a browsing system on a medical or health topic for the South African Medical Research Council exhibit in the South African Museum. Evaluation criteria are explained, and 40 examples of screen displays are included. (four references) (LRW)

Discussion of CD-ROM as an alternative to online searching for academic libraries focuses on a comparison between online and CD-ROM costs at the University of Natal (South Africa) library. Other factors examined include funding methods; user fees; staff involvement; user training; user access, including search intermediaries and networking; and…

It is proposed that market research needn't be formal but can be useful. Suggestions include using a variety of existing information sources; conducting focus groups; using readership surveys of school publications; paying attention to the timing of surveys; and sharing results with others who can use it. (MSE)