A three-step plan identifies unused space and puts it to work to handle growing enrollments in static facilities by: (1) comparing with other schools; (2) analyzing space needs; and (3) finding usable space. Photographs illustrate space reclaimed at three schools. (MLF)

In higher education, the practice of "space budgeting" requires departments to pay directly from annual budget allocations for the space they are assigned and use. Goals of space budgeting are defined, some of the issues identified, and alternate approaches suggested. (MLF)

Four bits of precautionary advice are offered for boards in the process of closing schools: work with, not against, the local government; research property deeds carefully; choose judiciously whether to lease or sell; and avoid conflicts of interest. (TE)

Emory University, Georgia, has a space and equipment database management system that maintains inventories and generates reports. (MLF)

Performance-based evaluation, along with a database of reliable and objective information concerning existing educational facilities, can help planners identify facility needs. An example of such a system in Vigo County, Indiana, is provided. (MLF)

In a three-year cumulative study, more than 1,000 children were observed either in randomly arranged preschool classrooms or in classrooms deliberately arranged to promote learning. Creativity, oral language use, and development of science and number concepts were significantly higher for children in the specially planned classrooms. (Author/SJL)

Data from student and teacher questionnaires, interviews with school librarians, and examination of bibliographies of student papers were collected in six metropolitan area public schools working to study facilities used and assistance received by students on independent study assigments. Results indicated that students successfully used a wide…

The actual availability of child care services was compared with a profile of parent preferences and utilization patterns in this article which includes an approach to day care needs assessment and planning in an urban Black community. (RLV)

The space analysis process, designed by facilities planners at the University of Toronto to address the gap between macro standards and the way they are used at the micro level, is described. Institutional space policies and guidelines, space inventory, and procedures for collecting space utilization data from users are discussed. (MLW)

The planning process needs to integrate facility planning into the decision-making process. Two case studies are discussed: an assessment of resource-allocation policies for university chemistry research laboratories, and a model for evaluating the utilization of a community college. (MLW)

Professional personnel and building maintenance were studied by the Halifax School District Board (Nova Scotia) to examine economy and efficiency and to determine quality education, using the value-for-money concept. This process can be utilized by any board to assist in identifying areas needing analysis, but program effectiveness should also be…

Draws some initial connections between library performance measures and library space planning and collection management. Output measure surveys are suggested for establishing hierarchies of use and appropriate design of environments for housing the collection. Four references are listed. (MES)

In Virginia, ownership of unused school facilities reverts to the city or county government. This situation illustrates Total Community Resource Planning, a concept that proposes cooperatively utilizing resources to serve the needs of the total community. Explains the steps necessary to systematize the process. (MLF)

Reducing educational services, including community education, does not appear to be an effective method of reducing energy consumption. Increasing efficiency in existing services reduces energy consumption more effectively. (Author/MLF)

Data are presented from a Canadian study to show that the cost of laboratory testing is escalating and represents a sizable proportion of hospital costs. Policy interventions will require thorough analysis and will require sophisticated control programs at various levels in the laboratory inquiry system. (Author/MLW)