Learning Resources

Abstract: Book review for Lifelong Learning: New Visions, Implications, and Roles, by Norman Longworth and W. Keith Davies. Kogan Page (London), 1996. 174 pages. ISBN 0-7494-1972-5. Pull quotes: "The 21st century will be 'the learning century.'" "Lifelong learning, rather than just university learning early in one's life, will become more important."

Abstract: Book review for Rethinking College Education, by George Allan. University of Kansas Press, 1997. 222 pages ISBN 0-7006-0842-7. Pull quotes: "Through 'play' and conversation, students can explore, encounter, and contemplate ideas, new perceptions, and alternative ways of life." "How does a college help students become more aware of the social consequences of their experiments with life and mind without throwing a damper over their much-needed free exploration?"

Abstract: Book review of Foundations of Futures Studies: Human Science for a New Era, by Wendell Bell. Two volumes. Transaction Publishers, 1997. Volume 1: 365 pages, ISBN 1-56000-271-9. Volume 2: 371 pages, ISBN 1-5000-281-6. Pull quotes: "By imagining and forecasting possible futures for higher education, we tend to be freer to discover important possibilities and prepare for strategic actions." "Among the paradigmatic shifts in thought and research in the past several decades has been the elevation of concern about the future to a position approaching equality with concern about the past."

Abstract: Book review for Information Architects, by Richard Saul Wurman, edited by Peter Bradford. Watson-Guptill Publications, 1997. 235 pages ISBN 1-888001-38-0. Pull quotes: "Information architects design ways for us to see the patterns underneath all the information fragments." "Many people in higher education find that the management and understanding of electronic information resources is an enlarging challenge."

Abstract: Contends that most planners make assumptions about planning and about human and institutional ability to change, and that these assumptions necessarily impact the outcome of strategic planning efforts. Examines the functions served in planning comprehensive institutional change, and suggests that planning failures reflect too great a focus on technique and outcome. Applies the analogy of human development to illustrate the organizational life cycle, with an exploration of institutional "identity issues" – the physical, social, and psychological aspects, as well as the institution’s sense of self.

Abstract: Book review for Lobbying for Higher Education: How Colleges and Universities Influence Federal Policy, by Constance Ewing Cook. Vanderbuilt University Press, 1998. 272 pages. ISBN 0-8265-1317-4. Pull quotes: "America's colleges and universities came to be described by the word 'postsecondary' so that proprietary, profit-making institutions could be included." "There are still a number of people in higher education who are uncomfortable being described as members of an interest group."

Abstract: Book review of You Can Get There from Here: The Road to Downsizing in Higher Education, by Barbara Butterfield with Susan Wolfe. College and University Personnel Association, 1994. 136 pages. ISBN 1-878240-38-2. Pull quotes: "Institutions need a new road map for effectively managing their human resources."

Abstract: Book review of Campus and Community: Moore Ruble Yudell Architecture and Planning. Rockport Publishers 1997. 224 pages. ISBN 1-56496-230-X. Pull quotes: "The American college campus is a resource for the rediscovery of architectural communities." "Polyzoides pleads for a rediscovery of American campus design's best traditions.

Abstract: Maintains that colleges and universities must do more to educate the public about the realities of higher education finance. In particular, institutions need to demonstrate how they are like and not like other business enterprises. Furthermore, higher education institutions must better explain the considerable price variance among institutions, as well as clarify the difference between the "sticker price" of tuition and the actual price students must pay to attend college. Finally, they must emphasize that education is an investment, not a commodity, and better articulate the difference. To this end, the author asserts that cooperation among institutions is essential.

Abstract: Describes the quantitative analysis of program array at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in an attempt to evaluate new and low-enrollment programs in a period of shrinking financial resources. The analysis is designed to compare a college or university with its peer institutions. The resulting information can form the basis of policy development for low-enrollment majors, assist in evaluating the need for new programs, or aid in analyzing resources and developing new, consolidated, and/or collaborative programs.