DOES THE PROGRAMME MATTER? APPROACH AND MAJOR FINDINGS OF THE KASSEL GRADUATE SURVEY

This study attempts to establish the extent to which study programmes and study conditions within selected fields of study vary among institutions of higher education in the Federal Republic of Germany and the extent to which diversification has an impact on the careers and work assignments of graduates. All persons who graduated during the 1983‐1984 and 1984‐1985 academic years in mechanical engineering, economics/business, and social work from seven institutions of higher education were surveyed during their final year of study, again in a longitudinal study two years after graduation, and finally, four to five years after graduation. The authors come to the conclusion that the vertical diversification of higher education in the Federal Republic of Germany has had a less pronounced effect on the careers of graduates, over the last few years, than had been expected. No dominant elements of study programmes and study conditions could be identified which might explain study outcomes, careers, and job assignments.     

Acquiring unpublished population documents in Africa: a personal experience

Acquiring both published and unpublished documents produced in Africa is, generally, a difficult task due to the existing poor state of bibliographic control and the publishing industry. It is even more difficult to obtain unpublished documents in a specialized area of study such as demography--a diffuse area which cuts across several disciplines. This paper discusses the problems encountered on acquisition trips to some African countries to acquire unpublished population material. To help solve the problems, the Population Association of Africa must persuade its members to send copies of their publications to population libraries and documentation centers in their individual countries for dissemination to the other users in Africa. The various organizations and institutions in Africa engaged in the teaching and research of population studies should have an agreement to exchange copies of their theses. The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) and the Organization of African Unity (OAU) should make representations to the various African member countries on the need to disseminate the results of vital censuses and surveys conducted. Finally, the Population Information Network for Africa (POPIN-AFRICA) with its coordinating unit at the population division of ECA should ensure that all the nodes of the network have the financial and other resources to be able to acquire the relevant documents needed for their operations.     

Introducing computer literacy skills for physicians

Computers are integral to medical practice, education, and research. While medical students learn computer skills during their training, many practicing physicians do not have the same computer experience. To familiarize this group with the exciting developments in medical informatics, the Himmelfarb Health Sciences Library and Department of Computer Medicine at the George Washington University Medical Center organized a workshop "Introducing Your Office Computer!" for attending physicians. The workshop featured a short lecture/video presentation on computer applications in medicine followed by a "computer fair" of five computer applications. Eleven physicians attended the workshop. Feedback was very positive; many called later to request more detailed instructions on using the programs demonstrated. It was a valuable experience for the staff, and new bridges were built between departments and clients.