Engineers in industry were surveyed to identify what they think are important skills to emphasize in the general engineering curriculum. Results, based on 62 questionnaires (100 were mailed), are presented and discussed. One finding is that industry highly values reasoning and communication skills in addition to engineering skills. (JN)

A survey of software publishers, conducted during the summer of 1986, indicates how they are responding to school needs. Backups and protection, site licensing, networking, multiple loading, previewing, warranty policies, and other forms of support are among the topics discussed. (MNS)

Presents results of the 1985 National Engineering Student Employer Preference Survey, comparing them to results of l983 and l98l surveys. Includes the top 25 employer choices (overall and by discipline), reasons for employer preferences, demographic variations, how employer images are formed, and other areas. (JN)

Interviews with 30 million-dollar donors to colleges and universities, including 17 individuals and representatives of 8 corporations and 5 foundations, revealed that donors gave with the expectation of receiving some return but sought indirect rather than direct benefit: enhancement of the institution, community, or society at large. (MSE)

Describes an opinion survey distributed to software publishers and software preview centers in which participants ranked suggested criteria for identifying or certifying preview centers, development of center policies and procedures, and the role of schools in the process. A revised survey is included to which readers are encouraged to respond.…

Surveys psychology textbook authors and editors on their perceptions of the introductory psychology textbook market. Finds that the textbook market is divided into three levels according to quality, and that authors and editors are not familiar with most textbooks. Notes that the growth of used book companies has adversely affected the market.…

A simple approach to cost-benefit analysis of industrial training is presented that uses easily obtainable data. Results regarding the social rate of return to company training suggest a shift of resources from individuals to companies. Comparisons between returns to company training and to institutional training are also presented. (MD)

College psychology students were required to make contact with an organization and obtain permission to conduct a job satisfaction survey with its employees, develop questionnaires, collect data, and compile an "Executive Summary" which was given to the organization and then presented in class. (RM)

The links between research and development (R&D) and business planning were investigated through interviews with R&D and business executives in nine industrial corporations. Results show planning is generally program or project oriented, with little evidence strategic planning is the norm. Suggestions for improving R&D planning are…

A study gathered information about producers and distributors of unabridged books on cassette tape for the use of librarians engaged in collection development. Questionnaires were distributed to 48 public libraries and 45 producers/distributors. This report includes an introduction covering the history of this medium and a rationale for collecting…

This guide is intended for librarians planning to start an information brokerage, whether as an entrepreneur or as a member of a document delivery group in a library. The guide identifies specific skills and relevant characteristics required to establish a successful information brokerage firm and describes a model to assist readers in the process…

Describes a study conducted to determine prevalence of educational software field testing by producers, number of teachers and students participating, evaluation criteria used, whether documentation includes field test results, field test value, and other evaluation methods utilized during product development. Textbook versus software evaluation,…

Research on the communication demands that local industries require of technicians and the writing responsibilities of the technicians are described. Responses from a questionnaire and information from personal interviews are included. (MLW)

Directed specifically to the needs of college librarians, this book addresses publishing opportunities for aspiring writers at all levels, from graduate students and entry-level staff to experienced directors and researchers. It includes journals that cover areas of concern in small academic libraries as well as those focused on issues at larger…

Changes in the composition and attitudes of the work force have resulted in increased interest by employers in formulating and implementing career development efforts for their employees. Surveys have revealed: companies believe that career development efforts enhance employee performance and improve utilization of talents; most organizations have…