When a new library system, WestCat, was installed in the Western Michigan University Libraries (August 1998), an initiative was undertaken to announce its arrival, establish its identity, and train the university community in its use. To promote this initiative, two committees were broadly charged with the responsibilities of publicity and…

Examined is the discrepancy between the initial press release of the IEA International Study of Mathematics Achievement and the full report. (CT)

Description of the museum and library of Maryland history established by the Maryland Historical Society highlights governance of the Society; library services in three main divisions (reference, manuscripts, prints and photographs); library collections; genealogical inquiries; and publications, exhibitions, and conferences sponsored by the…

Business educators must communicate to counselors, administrators, and governing boards the activities and accomplishments of their department. They must capitalize on opportunities to carry out professional responsibilities. (JOW)

There are seven important steps in the development of a communications campaign to promote public health: (1) analyzing the situational realities; (2) axiological examination of proposed targets; (3) describing the sociocultural context; (4) mapping the psychological matrix; (5) selecting the campaign theme; (6) constructing persuasive…

Five suggestions for initiating and enhancing dialogue between schools and the public are presented. Included are visitation programs for community and school board members, neighborhood meetings, media involvement, and involvement of students and teachers in public forums. (KC)

Defines publicity, advertising, and promotion. Explains the four principles of using media in educational marketing: know the goal of the promotion, the interests and biases of newspapers and radio and television stations, the programs of other local educational services, and the definition of newsworthiness for the various media. (DD)

Points out the underutilization of facilities and the lack of service to potential students caused by the usual morning/evening scheduling pattern. Describes the planning and marketing of Mesa College's Afternoon Curriculum, which offered five six-week sessions during the academic year, and evaluates the program. (DD)

The dissemination activities through which college admissions officers heard about Project CHOICE, a three-year project to help colleges improve the information they provided to prospective students, were investigated. The study involved determining how well various dissemination methods (newsletter, journal articles, conference presentations,…

Discusses promotional possibilities educational institutions should consider to gain popular support and media attention. Gives examples of how popular appeal can be garnered through simple, low-cost, team-generated promotional plans. Urges schools to break from their disposition toward inaction and find available publicity options. (DMM)

University research magazines provide a vehicle for the understanding and appreciation of university research. Readership includes media representatives, government officials, potential donors, alumni, faculty, high school and junior college science teachers, industry managers, etc. (MLW)

Six U.S. university public affairs departments are compared, and similar institutional responses to the need of relating to specific publics are discovered. Conflict and controversy, the role of the news bureau, staff size and structure, and special features of individual institutions are described. A response to the article is included. (MLW)

Future Homemakers of America members are telling the public about the role of vocational education in their lives. They are involved in a national campaign to inform others of the benefits of vocational education organizations. (JOW)

Discusses media coverage of the Three Mile Island nuclear power plant before and during the disaster. Concludes that there was a communication breakdown prior to the accident. Outlines the causes and offers suggestions for avoiding similar breakdowns in the future. (JMF)