Monthly progress reports were written with and without microcomputer assistance by six professional and 20 nonprofessional staff in a state facility for the mentally retarded. Ratings by persons blind to the conditions indicated that use of the computer resulted in higher quality reports. (Author)

The state-trait model was applied to empathy training, which was seen as resulting in a change in trainees' state empathy level. Successful trainees were differentiated and predicted on the basis of young age, high level of trait empathy, and high perception of the empathic functioning of the trainer. (Author)

This study investigated age preferences for 11 different service providers and the age at which workers in these occupational roles were considered to be "too old" by three age groups: young (18-24), middle-aged (35-55), and older adults (65+). Results indicate that in comparison to middle-aged and older adults, young adults continue to have…

Compared 16 professional and 16 nonprofessional instructors of "Coping with Depression" classes for elders (N=68) on several outcome measures (including depression, life satisfaction, and frequency of negative thinking). Improvement occurred over time, and no significant differences were found between participants, grouped by leader status. (JAC)

Describes a method, patterned after the National Football League draft, that one school district created to transfer professional and nonprofessional personnel to new and old schools within the district. (IRT)

Presents results from two surveys of catalog departments in academic libraries that were conducted to determine the changing role of catalog librarians. Main areas of focus include catalog department organizational patterns; the managerial responsibilities of the cataloger; and which cataloging tasks are performed by professionals and which are…

Discusses job satisfaction in classified support staff (primarily clerical and secretarial) of colleges and universities. Notes that these staff are frequently the first representatives of the institution encountered by prospective students, parents, and others. Finds that rewards and recognition, opportunities for feedback, and help with…

In January 2002, the Tulsa (Oklahoma) Public Schools launched the Learning, Education, and Resource Network (LEARN) Academy, a learning opportunity for its noncertified staff. The academy provides intensive leadership skills development and opportunities. Participants include representatives of transportation, child nutrition, health services,…

Extending the guidance circle to include career counseling by parent volunteers can improve the counseling department's public image; make the most efficient use of counselors' time, enabling them to concentrate on more difficult problems and fulfill traditional guidance functions; and help counselors better meet students' needs. (Author)

Studied frequency of occurrence of four different types of physical contact (touching, holding hands, sitting-on-lap, and hugging) in school-based helping interactions between nonprofessional child aides and young referred children. Frequency of contact behaviors did not relate either to adjustment status at referral or to intervention outcomes.…

Public education about memory was evaluated with a controlled intervention trial. Participants in group 1 (n = 273) attended a symposium covering memory-related topics and received a magazine with identical information. Group 2 (n = 141) only received the magazine. Participants were nonprofessionals and professionals aged between 29 and 88.…

Analyzes employment statistics of Association of Research Libraries members, relates data to patterns of library collection growth and decline during those years, and speculates on future staffing. Variables used to measure personnel are the number of professionals, nonprofessionals, full time staff, and ratio of professionals to full time staff.…

The Vocational Preference Inventory (VPI) and the Self-Directed Search (SDS) were administered to 102 Black women workers in occupational environments consistent with Holland's six vocational environments. Four scales in each test successfully differentiated the occupational groups, supporting the concurrent validity of Holland's theory for…

Minimal service sheltered housing with peripatetic services adjusted to individual need may be more acceptable to the majority of elderly. The key program element in the British model is a resident warden, a housewife whose training and presence assures a proper and consistent flow of peripatetic support services. (Author)

Examines the employment status of a nonprofessional school employee with reference to the procedural steps that a school administrative unit should use in dismissing him. The focus is on North Carolina case law, but the issues and the conclusions drawn are applicable to other states. (Author/IRT)