Quality: Transforming postsecondary education

Quality: Transforming postsecondary education

Understanding of these traits is promoted via twotypesofdisplays: (l)clear,detailed charts and tables of comparative descriptive statistics; (2) multi...

367KB Sizes 3 Downloads 92 Views

Understanding of these traits is promoted via twotypesofdisplays: (l)clear,detailed charts and tables of comparative descriptive statistics; (2) multiple sets of questions for assessing fund raising effectiveness, some for specific participants in the process, others on specific aspects (resource allocation, institutional image, planning). The question sets are supported by citations to additional research. Although the cases confirm much conventional wisdom, the researchers found in them a “depth and richness” that will inevitably expand the field of research on fund raising. Recommendation-Thisstimulatinganduseful work will “encourage the reflective fund raiser to view planning and practices from several perspectives.” Reviewer-Judy Diane Grace Journal of Higher Education, Mar./Apr. 1993, p. 243-4.5 *See also Sep. 1992 p. 250

The Emerging WofklwMe Electronic Unlverstty: Inlmation Age Global Higher Education, by Parker Rossman. Westport,

CT: Greenwood, 1992. 169~. $42.95 ISBN @3 13-27927-6. (Contributions to the Study of Education, no. 57.) n In an introduction and 12 chapters, Rossman upresents a variety of current experiments, ongoing projects, and visionary ideas” concerning the effects of “global computer networks and related technologies” on higher education. His approach is”head-in-the-starsand-feet-on-the-ground”: while the longest chapter explores seriously the concept of an electronic,encyclopedic”world brain,“other chapters describe projects already in operation. Discussions of both actual and potential developments provide sources of further information. After presenting evidence for the emergence of a worldwide electronic university, Rossman devotes chapters to: administrative structures for global education; difficulties and benefits of electronic global linkages, along with warnings about “new colonialism”;diverse technologies thatfacilitate electronic education; international collaborative research projects; electronic classrooms; electronic textbooks; students’ perspectives on the electronic university; and lifelong education, with “sharing of educational resources across institutional and national borders.” The final chapter warns that though the electronic university is technologically feasible, it requires a clear purpose, standards, and attention to “individual learning styles, group processes, and emotional safety.” Recommendation-This work “offers an interesting, useful, and, at times, inspiring review of current projects and future possibilities for a Worldwide Electronic University.” Its main shortcoming involves the cursory treatment of complex issues and overly brief descriptions of many ongoing projects. Reviewer-James H. Gray Harvard Educational Review, Spring 1993, p. 118-20

186

Recommendation-This unusually thoughtprovoking and enjoyable book “should be required reading for anyone concerned with the future of higher education.” Reviewer-Mark Watson RQ, Spring 1993, p. 447-48

Missing the Boat: The Failure to Intemationake American Higher Education, by Craufurd D. GoodwlnandM. Nacht. N.Y.: Cambridge Univ. Press. 1991.130~. $39.50 ISBN a52 l-402 13-1. n Previous literature on international scholarly exchange falls mainly into two categories: “laudatoryhistorical/opinionpieces”and research-oriented evaluations (often dated government-sponsored reports) that tend to assume the benefits of such exchange while minimizingthecosts.Thisslim, readablebook “successfully spans the two modes of exposition” while offering a more balanced and upto-date analysis. Based largely on interviews with faculty and administrators at 37 colleges and universities, it strives to illuminate both incentives and barriers associated with academic sojourns abroad. The authors note that the prevalence of two-income families has made study abroad more difficult than it was 20 years ago. Other obstacles include the “interruption of grants, publications and presentations” and the vengeful responses of jealous colleagues. Although personal and professional benefits receiveequal space, there are fewer revelations here. Particularly interesting are the five case studies from diverse institutions that have found creative ways to promote international exchange. An epilogue points to the future, recommending that colleges and universities reexamine policies, procedures, missions, and incentive structures that may discourage faculty exchange. Recommendation-This is a fresh and welcome addition to the literature. The case studies can prove especially useful to administrators seeking to facilitate international exchange. Reviewer-Jari Hazard Higher Education, Jan. 1993, p. 86-88

department, are adaptable to other settings, and solve a difficult problem. The successful projects, described in this volume, represent a broad range of institutions (63) and disciplines. Entries are arranged alphabetically by institution, average aboutS 1/2pages in length, and follow a uniform format comprising: an abstract; identification of the institution; descriptions of the project, human and technological resources, benefits, and success factors; the rationale; and address of a contact person. A 32-page Perspective and Summary offers helpful conclusions on the projects’ characteristics, benefits and costs, success factors, development, evaluation, and trends, but could be organized more c/early. An appendix also arranges the projects alphabetically by institution; some other means of access-e.g., by discipline or type ofprojKtwould be useful.-Eds.

Planning and Managing Indushy-University Research Collaborations, by Rudolph A. Carbonl. Westport, CT: Quorum Books, 1992.226~. $45 ISBN @8993U769-8. n This book explains how universities

and industry can succeed in joint research ventures, noting both the benefits and the inherentdifficulties for both parties. Relying on his substantial experience in such collaboration, the author advises academics “‘to be practical and to understand industry’s proprietary concerns,” and industry to respect academic freedom. Recomrnendation-Thiswork”provideseminently useful testimony and sound advice.” Reviewer-Rosemary Park Change, Mar./Apr. 1993, p. 54

Quality: Transforming Postsecondary Education, by Ellen E. Chaffee and L.A. Sherr. Washlngton, D.C.: School of Education and Human Development, George Washington Unlv., 1992.126p. S 17 (paper) ISBN l -87838@16-8. ISSN 0884-0040. LC 92-62286. (ASHE-ERIC Higher Education Report, no. 3, 1992.) n With public demand for greater quality in

101 Success Stories of Information Technology in Higher Education: The Joe Wyatt Challenge, ed. by Judith V. Boettcher. N.Y.: Primis (McGraw-Hill), 1993.612~. (paper) ISBN O-390-59763-5.

$35

n At a 7989 ECUCOM meeting, Joe 13.Wyatt, Chancellor of Vanderbilt University, challengedhis colleagues to identify and disseminate information on 100 exemplary cases in which information technolog effected improved teaching of un dyergraduates. EDlJCOM’s Educational Uses of Technology Program sought nominations for such cases throughout the U.S. andcanada, andby I99 7 the Wyatt Challenge Committee had selected 10 I information technology “success stories” that improvestudent learning, enrich the curriculum andor culture within an institution or

the Journal of Academic Librarianship, July 1993

higher education, a growing number of colleges and universities are looking at TQM for the answer. As Jonathan Fife’s Forewordnotes, “thisreportcomprehensivelyreviews theconcepts of total quality and then relates those concepts to [applications in] both the academic andadministrative areas of the institution.” The authors, a vice chancellor of academic affairs and a professor of business, stress “quality of process, design, and output,“andparticularlya Quality Improvement Process. They assert that faculty are the most vita/players in developingcontinuousquality improvement, and that all members of the academic community must strive to meet the expectations of their students. The first two of six chapters define quality and TQM and explore their application in higher education. The middle two both address how quality can

be improved, focusing first on the technical system and then on administration. The final two chapters look more specifically at academic activities (quality in the curriculum and classroom) and how an institution can implement TQM. Individual chapters include many examples of TQM at colleges and universities, flowcharts, andpoint-by-pointsummaries. A bibliography of over 90 items (current to early 1992) and an index complete the work.-Eds.

Toward an Ethic d Higher Education, by Mortlmer R. Kadish. Stanford, CA: Stanford Univ. Press, 1991.205~. $29.50 ISBN B80471883-O. LC-90-27088.

n Although professors are expected to exemplify sound ethical judgment, they are also “expected to deal in speculative and disinterested ways with ethics,” and have thus had difficulty establishing a “convincing public position on the ethics of practice.” Unlike the many studies of ethics in small areas of academia, this work tackles the whole framework of academic ethics, and “pursues the path of wisdom rather than the narrower trail of knowledge.” Chapters that read like conversations with the author begin byestablishing the intellectual terrain. Especially well developed is the importance of “self-interest” in the educational experience (a concept closer to Emerson’s “self trust” than to selfishness) and the balance among the respective self-interests of students, faculty, and administrators. Using elaborate similes and metaphors, Kadish analyzes the intellectual virtues of the sciences, literature, and professional studies, and suggests “‘opening’ the university to arts, the world of work, and politics in some novel, even exciting ways.” A central conclusion is that “the educational process properly conceived leads to the exercise of ethical judgment.” This serious study offers no “quick fixes or ear-catching terminology,” but does include many delightful and quotable epigrams. Recommendation-Thisdistinctiveandcarefully developed work is well suited for “academics-whether professors or administrators-who are reaching for a better understanding of the larger profession and their own institutions.” Reviewer-William Toombs Journal oftiigher Education, Mar./Apr. 1993, p. 235-36

The Uneasy Publk

Polky Triangle in Higher Education: Quality, Diversity, and Budgetary Ettkkncy, ed. by David H. Flntfter, R.G. Baldwln. and J.R. Thelln. N.Y.: Amerlcan Council on Education and Macmillan, 1991. 198~. $27.95 ISBN &02-897145-O. This volume contains 14 papers that analyze the “dynamics of United States higher education policy with regard to three...often conflicting goals...: quality, diversity, and efficiency.“ThepaperswereoriginaIlypresented

at a 1988 conference on the interaction of public policy and higher education. The first of five sections provides historical context, with an emphasi; on “changes in the interaction of federal and state involvement.” The next three sections focus, respectively, on individual points of the triangle; each notes the difficulty of measurement. All the papers on public policy and quality relate an institution’s performance to its own role and goals. The papers qn diversity reach “divergent conclusions about the extent to which disparities [in access to, participation in, and completion of college education] could be diminished.” Papers on budgetary efficiency and resource allocation call for new and more creative policies. Collectively, these papers present a balanced interpretation, whose potential value lies in depicting the tensions and common ground among the three goals of public policy; unfortunately, the concluding chapters discuss new aspects rather than tying together the preceding sections, leaving readers with three points rather than a true triangle. Recommendation-“National experts of highereducation policy, institutional leaders, and those involved in public as well as private higher education policy should benefit from this selection of thoughtful and enriching discussion papers.” Reviewer-Michaela Martin JournalofHigher Education, Mar./Apr. 1993, p. 237-38 *See also May 1993 p. 115

Indexing and Abstracting Guide to Current Indexing and Abstracting Servkes In the Third World, by G.E. Gorman and J.J. Mills. Sevenoaks, UK: Hans Zell, 1992. 278~. $65 ISBN O-905450 85X. This workprovidesacquisitions librarians with useful information on titles that index and/or abstract literature from developing countries. Comprehensive entries describe each title’s scope, arrangement, and content, and assess its usefulness (or lack thereof) and main audience. The guide’s potential as a reference tool, however, is limited by its organization (b title, rather than geographic region or sut. Ject) and inadequate index. Moreover, the term “Third World” in the title is not only derogatory but also inaccurate (if understood to mean “developing, less developed, or underdeveloped countries”), given that South Africa is covered here. Recommendation-This workaddresses a real need-bibliographic control of the literature of developing countries. Unfortunately, its arrangement and index limit its usefulness. Reviewer-Carol Newton-Smith Australian Academic & Research Libraries, Dec. 1992, p. 226 *See also Jan. 1993 p. 387

Information

Science

Attitkkl Intelligence and Expert Systems: Will They Change the library? Papers Presented at the 1990 Clinic on LlbraryAppllcations of Data Processing, March 2527, 199O.ed.byF.W.LancasterandL.C.Smtth. Champalgn, IL: Univ. of Illlnols,GSLIS, 1992. 291 p, $20 ISBN 0-87845084-X. These 12 papers from the 27th Annual Clinic on Library Applications of Data Processing focus on expert systems (a subset of artificial intelligence). Douglas Metzler presents an informative review of theoretical research on knowledge representation, reasoning, understanding, and learning. Three papers serve as introductions to central topics: two methods of knowledge representation (Irene Travis); appltcation of user models in information retrieval (Christine Borgman and Yolanda Plute); and natural language processing (Amy Warner). General applications of expert systems are reviewed by Stuart Weibel (cataloging), James Parrott (reference work, based on his own theoretical model), Samuel Waters (reference work at the National Agricultural Library); and Brian Vickery (intelligent interfaces to online databases). Two papers address management issues: Charles Fenly presents criteria for assessing areas in which an expert system is appropriate, and David Penniman advocates “a new philosophy of information leadership and a need to understand the conditions for successful use of technology.” Several papers report on specific research projects. Writing style and readability of the papers are inconsistent, and some authors make assertions that should be challenged. The references that follow each paper are valuable for those seeking further information. Recommendation-This well-balanced collection provides a good overview of topics, issues, and case studies concerning expert systems in libraries. Reviewer-Ling Hwey Jeng Library Quarterly, Apr. 1993, p. 236-38 *See also May 1993 p. 118; Mar. 1993 p. 44

Conceptions ot library and lntormatlon Science: Historical, Empirkal and Theoretkal Perspectives: Proceedings of the InternatIonal Conference Held for the Celebration of 20th Anniversary of the Department of Information Studies, Unlverslty of Tampere, Finland, 26-28 August, 1991, ed. by Perttl Vakkarl and B. Cronln. London and LosAngeles: Taylor Graham, 1992.3 14~. $46 (paper) ISBN O-947568-522. + “This is a well-balanced and coherent collection of material from what. . . must have been a stimulating and enjoyable conference.” Via a comprehensive range of topics, “the scope and complexity of library and information science are explored, their con-

the Journal of Academic Librarianship,

July 1993

187