The nation seems to have suddenly awoken to the reality that for-profit academic institutions are a force to be reckoned with. For so long, they have been ignored as inconsequential, second-rate competition, and vilified for their greed and lack of quality. Two events have changed their image into something far more formidable: (1) the realization…

Examines retail sales of CD-ROMs. Topics addressed include the current situation in CD-ROM retailing; channel distribution options; myths and realities of CD-ROM distribution; the distributor; affiliate labels; sales representatives; copublishers; distribution options; distributing resources; and recommendations for new CD-ROM publishers. (LRW)

States the relationship between the general philosophy of home economics and the specialization of merchandising. (JOW)

Three methods employed to price and sell computer equipment are discussed: computer pricing, hardware pricing, system pricing (system includes complete computer and support hardware system and relatively complete software package). Advantages of system pricing are detailed, the author's system is described, and 10 systems currently available are…

The conceptions and preparations for a successful author autographing party at the University of Virginia's bookstore are described. Suggestions for selecting authors, publicity, and planning are given. (MSE)

Argues that traditional bridges between the literary culture and publishing culture have increasingly weakened in past decade. The publishing culture has become like that of big business, marked by effort to standardize product, distribution, and consumer, and the advent of bookstore chains has put into practice the mass-merchandising system.…

Urges advertising educators to examine their own orientations toward research and scholarship in advertising, to encourage student research and scholarship in advertising, and to provide students with opportunities to develop a personal philosophy of advertising. (RL)

Recounts the activities that a number of bookstores have sponsored in order to generate children's interest in books, such as making valentines in February, having Santa Claus pay a visit in December, and having children tape record their favorite stories so that blind children can listen to them. (DF)

It is argued tha alternate pricing methods for college textbooks--including net pricing, net billing, and single copy order pricing--would be detrimental to college bookstores. Publishers are urged to continue with the traditional method, and other publisher practices that could help bookstore managers are suggested. (JMD)

Computer-assisted design (CAD) technology is transforming the apparel industry. Students of fashion merchandising and clothing design must be prepared on state-of-the-art equipment. ApparelCAD software is one example of courseware for instruction in pattern design and production. (SK)

The increase in the number of leased college stores is discussed. When the worlds of the non-profit institution and the retail store collide, even the most talented institutional managers can be crushed in the middle. Some think that mini-malls, rather than leased bookstores, will be the trend. (MLW)

Collegiate licensing is of interest to the athletic departments who want to bolster their budgets and to university administrators who consider it a vehicle by which "protection" may be provided for the symbols of their schools. Manufacturers of collegiate insignia have been accused of exploitation of university's proprietary rights.…

The authors show how human resources can be used as a strategic weapon to give a company a competitive advantage. The authors develop a thrust/target matrix and plug in examples to illustrate how companies have used and can use their human resources to do this. (CT)

Recommends two books--"Paul Bunyon" by Steven Kellogg and "The Mysteries of Harris Burdick" by Chris Van Allsburg--as mesmerizing for both adults and children. (CRH)

Discusses some current suspect practices in the sales of class rings and photographs to high school students. Outlines some board policies that can correct or prevent these abuses. (IRT)