This brief planning guide for library automation incorporates needs assessment and evaluation of options to meet those needs. A bibliography of materials on automation planning and software reviews, library software directories, and library automation journals is included. (CLB)

Describes the steps that a school district should follow in the first stages of implementing a minimum competency testing program: preparatory activities, defining the project, identifying existing tests, evaluating tests, developing a local test, and sharing knowledge. (Author)

Describes services offered by the Educational Resources Information Center Clearinghouse on Tests, Measurement, and Evaluation (ERIC/TM) in the area of minimum competency testing; identifies the ERIC descriptors to use when searching documents on that subject; notes relevant services offered by other ERIC clearinghouses; and lists some applicable…

Discusses the need for standards in education libraries and provides lists of criteria for standards in services, collection, personnel, facilities, budget, and administration and governance to be used as a starting point. A 12-item bibliography is included. (CHC)

Provides a list of 18 names and addresses of sources of educational research abroad and discusses the publications available from these sources. (CHC)

Discusses the growing importance of machine readable data files (MRDFs) as library reference tools, and describes the policies and services for MRDFs developed at the University of Florida libraries. Guidelines to selecting, acquiring, and planning for MRDFs are appended, along with examples of ERIC records for MRDFs. (four references) (CLB)

Summarizes strategies and techniques of effective bargaining that will empower the negotiator in virtually any bargaining situation, whether personal or collective. Sources of bargaining power and their applicability to particular negotiations are described, with emphasis on librarians as negotiators. (CLB)

Examines the role of peer coaching in effective in-house staff training programs. Guidelines to the initiation, monitoring, and evaluation of coaching programs are offered, and the benefits of this approach for staff and clients are discussed. (nine references) (CLB)

Describes procedures developed at Western Oregon State College to rebuild a collection of standardized tests. Topics discussed include a review of pertinent literature; a faculty needs assessment survey; creation of a test database; processing procedures; circulation policies and procedures; and recommendations for test collections, including…

Journal writing accompanies the fieldwork of students pursuing library degrees at Queensland University of Technology (Australia). It helps students reflect on various aspects of the practicum experience. This article describes student and supervisor responsibilities in the journalling process, and discusses survey results and anecdotal evidence…

States that schools of library and information science should reaffirm their commitment to increasing minority access to the profession by adopting a comprehensive program for the recruitment of minorities. Strategies for developing an effective recruitment plan are outlined, and the benefits and goals of mentoring are discussed. (seven…

Presents a model for a strategic planning process that is adapted to the needs of a school of library and information science. The accreditation self-study for the American Library Association is included in the model, and a checklist of topics to be considered when writing goals is provided. (32 references) (LRW)

Suggestions are offered to improve the educational experience of international students in North American library and information science programs. Reevaluation of course content, improved communication of program information to students, consideration of foreign realities and governmental practices, improved English language and keyboarding…