Describes a project that examined the provision of library services starting with basic automation requirements. The discussion covers the possibilities of designing integrated systems using current technologies and software, and compares the situation in Nordic countries with the international situation. Recommendations are offered for planning…

Reviews studies that have attempted to measure levels of community library service, and describes the testing of hypotheses related to the impact of public library system development in Wisconsin on community library services. Conclusions about public library service in Wisconsin and the research methodology used are stated. (16 references) (CLB)

Reviews the background, concepts, and role of hypermedia systems and analyzes essential, expected, and desirable features of hypermedia in order to provide a basis for system design and evaluation. Four hypermedium shells and systems are described, and approaches to user interface problems are discussed. (48 references) (MES)

Describes the development and implementation of a full-text image retrieval system at the Boeing Commercial Airplane Group. The conversion of card formats to a microcomputer-based system using HyperCard is described; the online system architecture is explained; and future plans are discussed, including conversion to digital images. (LRW)

Describes a microcomputer-based microfilm management system that has been developed in a medium-sized manufacturing firm's library in Hong Kong. The system configuration is explained, a design and selection plan for a microfilm format is discussed, a selection plan for hardware is described, and an indexing system is explained. (nine references)…

A triad of conceptual, human relations, and technical domains is proposed as a basis for effective performance evaluation systems in education. Systems incorporating the relevant issues in this triad address a fundamental rule of performance evaluation: if it is worth doing, it is worth doing well. (SLD)

Whether there are reasonable concerns about liberty raised by standards-driven educational reform is explored, focusing on students' interests in autonomy and authenticity, academic freedom, and pluralism. A view of standards and accountability that is narrowly focused on clear public interests is crucial for educational reform. (SLD)

Information available so far indicates that children in managed care arrangements are less likely to be seen by pediatric specialists and that families and providers are less satisfied under managed care. In spite of these drawbacks, the managed care approach, modified appropriately, offers new opportunities to provide high-quality medical care…

By employing a new system perspective, the uses of technology in three school districts are examined. Problems with lack of equipment, professional development, and funding in New York City and San Diego (CA) schools are discussed. The experiences of the Iowa City School District illustrate that growth of the human and work-process infrastructure…

The systematic four-step process introduced in this article lays the basic groundwork in helping an organization link all its programs and initiatives to its strategic goals. Discusses the definition and purpose of performance measurement; elements of a global performance system; and building a global performance measurement system. (AEF)

Reliable and current data is the foundation upon which good public policymaking is built. While California collects a good deal of data on its teaching workforce, policymakers have lacked a state-level data and analysis system to provide answers to even some of the most basic questions: How many credential holders actually take jobs? In what types…

Consolidations come in all shapes and sizes, including mergers, annexations and dissolutions. They do not all take place under state mandate, however. A handful of districts consolidate every year in some states like Illinois that have large numbers of small districts, many of them dual districts that serve K-8 or 9-12 in the same geographic area.…

Oregon State University (OSU) has held discussions over the past several years between Enrollment Services, Central Computing and the Finance Support Offices, and departments on campus that offer non-credit coursework, about the possibility of incorporating non-credit related records into the same information system that houses regular credit.…

Given the rapidly changing skills needs of post-industrial economies, lifelong learning forms an integral part of government policy within the UK and abroad. However, like the UK, most economies are faced with the problem of how to reach those sections of the community that have traditionally not embraced learning and educational opportunities. In…

This article presents a framework for developing internally sustainable evaluation systems for environmental education organizations, although the framework can be applied to other types of organizations. The authors developed a sustainable evaluation framework (SEF) with the intent of creating an evaluation system that could be self-administered…