An overview of libraries in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (U.S.S.R.) is presented, beginning with an analysis of the role played by Lenin in shaping the development of the library system in that country. There follows a historical survey of libraries in the Soviet Union, with an emphasis on the period from 1955 to 1975. Certain aspects…

Several dilemmas have arisen as a consequence of the centralization of state decision-making, including areas of tension between state boards and institutions and between executive and legislative branches of government. It is suggested that these boards are ultimately in the best interest of the higher education community. In a period of…

Organization of the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Central Office of Education activity is evaluated in this unabridged assessment. This report includes: (1) Background (1971 establishment of the evaluation task force composed of experienced field and central office personnel); (2) Scope (functions/organization of BIA central and field based…

The chancellor of the California community college system has begun a controversial effort to achieve higher academic standards through governance reform. (MSE)

This brief paper is a presentation that preceeded another case of considering the ongoing dialogue on the advantages and disadvantages of centralized and decentralized school-improvement processes. It attempts to raise a number of questions about the relationship between state-designed standards and accountability initiatives and change and…

This paper discusses the reorganization of libraries in order to adopt new techniques and to incorporate the electronic library, focusing on the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. The first section addresses manpower and the electronic library, including processing electronic journals, justification for the traditional library organization…

A survey of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba superintendents' perceptions of control exercised by departments of education, school boards, superintendents' offices, principals and teachers shows a gradual and yet growing influence of teachers and principals on decisions affecting education. Also reflects projected trend in…

Issues in organizing and staffing research administration offices are outlined. Four models are presented for small, medium, and large centralized offices, and for a large decentralized office. Standard job descriptions are given for director, budget specialist, proposal development officer, information specialist, preaward grants specialist, and…

A survey of internal research programs shows most are centrally administered with most growth in the private sector. Half spent under $75,000 per year on these programs. Stated program purposes were generally supportive of young researchers and of preliminary research. Administration is most often under academic vice-presidents and graduate…

A study compared student use of and satisfaction with the central advising office and departmental advising in a college of engineering by surveying 57 central office walk-in advisees and, by mail, 103 other advisees. No significant differences were found in advisor availability and concern, but more students used departmental faculty advisors.…

Explores the difficult position of a public regional university that is part of a multiuniversity, single-board system. Describes University of Southern Maine initiatives to establish external linkages, assesses outcomes to date, and discusses challenges of such a system. Notes forces that simultaneously divide and bring together, requiring…

An institutionwide strategic planning effort at Central Michigan University, in response to a need for rapid and significant changes in its information technology infrastructure, is outlined. The effort resulted in a matrix governance structure for information technology that acknowledges the value of both distributed support and a strong central…

Presents findings of a national study regarding state-level educational policy for HIV-positive children and focuses on current implementation and practice of such policy, or lack thereof, as well as the states' perceptions of needed policy improvements. Analyzes responses in terms of states' experiences, need, and centralized decision making. (AF)

Summarizes the development of science and technology in the Arab Gulf States and discusses the collection building of the libraries in the region, focusing on problems of censorship and finance. Current purchasing methods are described, and the need for automation in acquisitions work and for centralized and cooperative purchasing is discussed.…

Traces the trend toward increased local autonomy in Spanish education by placing this movement in historical context. Contends that public and social life in Spain may be disrupted by regional pressure for greater self-determination in education. Suggests that fundamental change will be best