Evaluation of the productivity of government-applied social research is considered from the aspects of the several major government and public constituencies. Public and government concepts of the public good in evaluation research are differentiated. Government-imposed constraints on evaluation research are outlined and their impacts considered.…

Self-regulation has been suggested as an alternative to government regulation and its attendant problems. An outline is offered of what self-regulation by institutions could mean, what forms it might take, and the kind of cooperation and commitment that will be necessary for such a project to work. (Author/LBH)

Reviews the reasons a large measure of freedom is essential to the pursuit of science, and also discusses why scientists can best preserve that freedom by exercising a large measure of social responsibility. (HM)

Responding to an article from the April 1987 Phi Delta Kappan criticizing Chapter 1 structures, the author points out that radical changes will not improve the program, instead a broader "systems approach" for interpreting rules governing such programs is needed. (MD)

The National Security Council has barred the National Science Foundation from providing a grant to help finance American participation in East-West research because the federal government cannot control the research, causing the institute's supporters to seek money directly from Congress. (MSE)

Compliance regulations for the Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act (AHERA) are so complex that each school district must name an asbestos coordinator. Discusses requirements for the October 12, 1988, and July 9, 1989, deadlines and how to meet these requirements. (MLF)

Describes the events that led to the establishment of the national policy for informatics in Brazil, which restricts foreign involvement in that nation's computer industry. The governing agencies are described, controversies and debates surrounding the policy are summarized, and the reaction of the American government is discussed. (Author/CLB)

The Internal Revenue Service has acknowledged that audits of graduate students receiving stipends were based on inconsistent interpretations of tax law but deny any policy to increase monitoring of graduate students' tax returns. (MSE)

Addresses questions about the copyright on educational media, covering the provisions of the Copyright Act of 1978, guidelines for off-the-air recording, information on the Copyright Royalty Tribunal, new technological copying concerns, and suggestions for community college procedures related to the use of copyrighted materials. (AYC)

Rough economic and political readjustments which academic science face are discussed at a special meeting of the National Academy of Sciences. Ill-equipped laboratories, new federal regulations over waste disposal and animal care, and lack of funds have contributed to the problem of rebuilding and renovating academic laboratories. (DH)

Reviews the history of the passage of the Hatch Amendment. Defines the regulations and examines testimony given during congressional hearings. Discusses the implications of the amendment. (MD)

Examines the Reagan administration's use of cost as an argument for amending the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Finds two general problems with the argument: (1) incomplete, inconsistent, and inaccurate reporting of FOIA costs and (2) agency attitudes that affected the cost estimates they presented. (FL)

Provides an update on emerging safety issues, new technological developments, and upcoming regulations that could affect school transportation programs. Two new sets of federal regulations to watch for will govern underground fuel storage tanks and hazardous materials, and restrict asbestos in vehicle brake linings. (MD)

Explains standards laid out in Federal Circular A-120 to ensure accountability, uniformity of standards, legal compliance, and efficiency in school food service procurement. Includes bidding and contract award procedures, contract compliance considerations, and cost-cutting methods. (MCG)

This paper outlines the history and purpose of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), which insures the right to access the voluminous files of U.S. government agencies, and explains FOIA implementation procedures for reference librarians assisting patrons. Recent attempts to amend the FOIA are discussed. Thirty-four references are cited. (EJS)