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A method of absolute calibration for large aperture optical systems is presented, using the example of the Pierre Auger Observatory fluorescence detectors. A 2.5 m diameter light source illuminated by an ultra--violet light emitting diode is calibrated with an overall uncertainty of 2.1 % at a wavelength of 365 nm., Comment: 15 pages, 8 figures. Submitted to JINST

Analyzes the methodology and findings of the "Management Review of the Library of Congress" completed in 1996. Highlights include mission statements; organizational structure; lack of strategic planning; performance measurement for support staff; the need for distributed leadership roles; the future of the Library of Congress; and implications for Australia's National Library. (Author/LRW)

Reviews the National Library of Australia's strategic plan entitled, "Service to the Nation: Access to the Globe." Topics include structural and stylistic observations; context; key concepts (national leadership and coordination, technology, distributed national collection, and resources); and success factors. A sidebar provides commentary on the Australian National University's award for use of information technology. (AEF)

The recent growth and current status of the State of Washington's system of higher education are discussed. After a description of the institution's delivery of higher education services, Washington's social, cultural, and economic background are briefly considered. The prevailing governance structure is discussed in the context of a recent historical sketch. The types of intervention available to state government are examined and their application in Washington is illustrated. The way that continued collaboration among agencies and institutions may serve to sustain the fiscal support of higher education is considered. Five propositions are advanced: (1) that the political environment has become more difficult at a time when leadership from the institution has faltered; (2) that within state government, significant shifts of power have taken place in recent years with far more formal and informal influence moving from the executive offices to legislative committees that are supported by increasing numbers of staff; (3) that the influence of the legislature and the agencies serving it on institutional operations is likely to increase even further; (4) that the increasing competitiveness among institutions for markets, unless voluntarily checked, will lead first to increased ad hoc interventions by the legislature and eventually to more governance from centralized agencies; and (5) that while little institutional latitude has as yet been lost, the potential for decline is great. (SW)

These two volumes report a pilot study that examined the job-related literacy and numeracy demands made on school leavers who entered selected apprenticeships. Volume I presents narrative materials. Detailed descriptions of literacy and numeracy demands are provided for 10 trades: electrical-fitter-mechanical, fitter-turner-machinist, fitter (diesel and heavy earth moving), motor mechanic, carpenter and joiner, plumber, boilermaker, painter, cook, and hairdresser. These demands are categorized into those related to job performance (job allocation, detailed written job instruction, problem solving, reading with customers), updating knowledge, writing on the job, and literacy demands at college. Other contents include a literature review, methodology, samples of print resources used on the job and in colleges for each trade, results of the application of the FORCAST Readability Formula, and recommendations for changes to selection procedures, training, and trade practices, as well as for further research. Volume II contains these appendixes: sample reading materials used on the job and in colleges, questionnaires used in the study, and readability sampling procedures used on the reading materials. (YLB)