Describes a process undertaken by small, rural libraries in Massachusetts in which trustees, librarians, and community leaders identified the possible roles of libraries and prioritized needs for individual communities. The results include an emphasis on community standards rather than national, and a list of three basic roles of all libraries.…

Describes the evolution of distance education courses at the University of South Carolina and the results of a study of students who participated in those courses. Highlights include student performance and reactions of both students and faculty to the telecourses. (Author/CLB)

Reports the results of a telephone survey of 64 library schools which examined off-campus courses, including the number of courses, enrollment, use of telecommunications, faculty and student attitudes toward distance education, and placement and advising services for distance education students. Several delivery systems for academic advising are…

During two periods of expansion in higher education, the curriculum of undergraduate education has undergone major changes. Toward the end of each period of expansion, a movement for assessment has developed, with the goal of restoring coherence and substance to the undergraduate program. (MLW)

Reports the results of a survey which collected the syllabi of library school courses that mentioned bibliographic instruction over a three-year period (1983 to 1986). An analysis of these syllabi is used to identify trends in bibliographic instruction curriculum. (CLB)

Compares the existing library standards of the seven higher education regional accreditation commissions with performance measures identified through library literature and expert advice from the field. A model set of regional accreditation library standards that encompasses qualitative standards for accreditation purposes and suggested…

A historical view of human behavior in the social environment (HBSE) in the undergraduate social work curriculum is presented, followed by an examination of the current state of HBSE in baccalaureate social work education, which was determined via a survey sent to all accredited undergraduate programs. (Author/MH)

Discusses a study of completers of the General Educational Development (GED) program. Concluded that (1) adult education is cost-effective; (2) concern for cost-effectiveness should not detract from other benefits; (3) completing the GED provides motivation to continue education; and (4) many perceive the GED certificate as a "second…

The content and structure of teacher education are examined in light of proposed educational reform as outlined in recent national reports. The need to reconceptualize the preparation of teachers of the mildly handicapped as a response to current efforts to improve the preparation of general classroom teachers is addressed. (Author)

It is suggested that current shortcomings of special education services may lead authors of national education reports to focus on improvement of general education opportunities for all students rather than increased compensatory education. Special educators must work toward more effective integration of regular and special education. (Author)

This review of abstracting policies used by database producers focuses on the degree to which these policies incorporate criteria vital for acceptability of abstracts for free-text searching. Each topic in abstracting policy (abstract type, length, content, and language) is examined to consider its effect on retrieval. (MBR)

Assesses the value of the Government Printing Office's 1983 "Biennial Survey" as a tool to support depository library planning and decision making. The survey data are evaluated in terms of reliability, validity, and utility, and recommendations are offered for improving the design, administration, and analysis of the survey. (CLB)

Responses to a questionnaire exploring faculty perceptions of academic librarians on campus are analyzed in terms of faculty-librarian contacts, usefulness of librarians, importance of academic subject background, and status. Results indicate that librarians are seen as professionals with a service function rather than as full-fledged academic…

Reviews some of the many career opportunities outside the traditional library for library and information studies school graduates as identified by recent surveys. The adequacy of school curriculums in preparing students for these roles is evaluated, useful courses are identified, and current trends in information science education are identified.…

Outlines competencies for computer education specialists, i.e., individuals working with teachers and students to teach the use of computers for instructional purposes rather than computer science. These competencies were developed from an informal survey of individuals currently working in such positions. (MBR)