Principals can forge an effective home-school partnership by encouraging teachers to communicate regularly with parents, issuing a monthly principal's newsletter, writing a column in the parent organization's newsletter, hosting informal meetings with parents, issuing parent and student handbooks, and meeting regularly with the parent…

Discussion of fines charged by libraries for overdue books focuses on the experiences of the Somerville Free Public Library (New Jersey) in implementing a no-fine policy. Goals of the new policy that are evaluated include increased circulation, increased return of late materials, and an improved library image. (seven references) (LRW)

Explores the pluralism model which undergirds both the systems and rhetorical perspectives in public relations theory. Shows how pluralistic assumptions affect the study of organization-stakeholder relationships. Calls for a more serious consideration of power's impact on the organization-stakeholder relationship. (HB)

Argues that meaning and persuasion are essential to public relations. Presents a model based on a rhetorical perspective, which addresses the impact of words and symbols, as a worthy candidate to be the dominant model in the field of public relations. (HB)

Argues that two basic propositions and their imperatives constitute an "ecological paradigm" useful in public relations theory and practice. Describes the ecological paradigm as constituted of two competing models of organizational change, adaptation and selection. Discusses implications of this model for research. (HB)

Provides examples of ways to integrate legal and practical public relations concerns into the mass communication law course. (SR)

Discusses the important features of a successful public relations internship program. Considers the academic preparation, the academic structure, and the administrative procedures necessary for deploying a successful internship program. (HB)

Reviews the general nature of ethos or image as it pertains to the physician. Discusses its rhetorical constituent elements of trustworthiness, expertness, goodwill and charisma that give these concepts such a vital role in effective public relations. (SR)

Suggests that the Spin Doctor is a new communication role, and raises questions about its relationship to the traditional public relations model. Discusses the implication of this new role for mass communication theory and for the practice of journalism. (SR)

Presents 12 rules for librarians who have to deal with the media, particularly reporters. Highlights include reframing of questions, benefits of a positive approach, the need for repetition, sample questions to practice on, and a sidebar that presents a reporter's viewpoint. (LRW)

Examines the utility of public-relations theory, specifically situational theory of publics, for assessing response to the New Madrid earthquake prediction. Finds that high personalized risk was associated with high constraint recognition regardless of belief in the prediction. Suggests development of more effective messages for communicating with…

Surveys advertising and public relations faculty members with regard to IMC (Integrated Marketing Communications) and its impact on current curricula. Finds (1) areas of discontent with current course curricula; (2) evidence of "separate agendas" between advertising and public relations educators on this issue; and (3) evidence of a generation gap…

Offers guidance for parents, teachers, and other advocates for gifted education on the use of public relations to increase local, state, and national support. Topics covered include the importance of using the media, state-level strategies, targeting the audience, planning a public-relations campaign, and some possible print and non-print media…

Discussion of higher education faculty and unions urges a "public professional unionism" in which faculty and staff work cooperatively with administrators to promote quality in instruction and a high level of professionalism through participative decision making. Argues that higher education unions must also pay more attention in collective…

Presents a rationale for understanding the broader implications of fund-raising in academic libraries, and for organizing it as an integral component of public relations activities. Discusses fund-raising goals; potential donors, including faculty and employees; infringement on the autonomy of institutions through gifts; and experiences within the…