Splines as a Useful and Convenient Statistical Tool

The framework for a unified statistical theory of spline regression assuming fixed knots using the truncated polynomial or “+” function representation is presented. In particular, a partial ordering of some spline models is introduced to clarify their relationship and to indicate the hypotheses that can be tested by using either standard multiple regression procedures or a little-used conditional test developed by Hotelling (1940). The construction of spline models with polynomial pieces of different degrees is illustrated. A numerical example from a chemical experiment is given by using the GLM procedure of the statistical software package SAS (Barr et al. 1976).     

A Simplified Treatment of the Estimation of Parameters and Tests of Hypotheses in Constrained Design Models with Unbalanced Data

A simple approach to the least squares estimation of parameters in the linear design model is given. An algebraically tractable example for unbalanced data is used to illustrate the approach.     

OCLC's Role in the CONSER Project

The implementation of OCLC's claims component represents a significant investment in time and money in order to obtain automatic claims or identification of needed issues for perhaps three-quarters of the serial collection. At this early stage, a lack of experience and sureness in applying the component's capabilities to the vagaries of serial publications demands a certain fortitude. A number of concerns appear valid and cast a shadow on the hoped-for results. Implementation further means the establishment of a program for updating vital parts of the component. The training of a specialized team schooled in the nuances of publication schedules and in the synthesis of related library records, and capable of making possibly costly judgments forms the component's foundation. This followed by the training of check-in and related support staff will drive the component and determine its eventual success.     

Union List Management: The Initial Project and Afterwards

Abstract

Two additional libraries have now joined the West Texas Union List. One is a city-supported; the other, state-supported. These two libraries have also joined the Texas Statewide Union List of Serials. Fees for the West Texas Union List are invoiced to each member directly. So far fees for the Texas Statewide Union List have been absorbed by grants awarded the Texas State Library. At this time, the statewide list will be funded with grants for two more years.

Member libraries update information in different workflows and on different schedules. Union list coordinators learn that members will update the information in their union lists; when, will vary from library to library and from list to list. Agents and coordinators must be aware of the attitude each member library has towards the list. If the list is available on OCLC, some members may only update holdings when they replace the individual institutional list used in their library. If the list is stored on computer tape, some members may have been interested in it only because it could assist them in future serial automation projects and may not have given much thought to the importance of the list as an ongoing venture.

There may be a problem if the library staff responsible for updating the list was never really involved in the decision to join a union list and is not committed to the list beyond the initial project phase. In some cases the members have every intention of keeping the information current but are not good managers or communicators. The agent should ask what is being done and advise members on getting started, and might even offer to visit the library to assist in setting up the proper workflow.

Working with libraries involved in union list activities is a challenge. As with all management tasks, communication is the key to success. When users or members discover a problem, the group must solve it quickly or the list will lose its credibility. Each list must face the possibility that members may not want to retain membership. Some members may not want the list to grow in size, while others do. Interpreting standards and choosing bibliographic and holdings formats are potentially controversial issues.

If the members agree that the list is needed and if the list is important to them from the beginning, then they will be more flexible and understanding of the problems in each library, and more likely to contribute to keeping the list current. As the members learn to work together, their union list product becomes a major goal or interest. The list becomes a product that represents the work and cooperation of the group as a whole.     

Factors impacting the knowing-doing gap in sexual harassment training

We examined the gaps between research-based sexual harassment training practices human resource (HR) managers believe their organization should use and the practices their organizations actually use (knowing-doing gaps). We studied individual (attitudes about academics) and organizational predictors (senior management support, managerial rewards, and organizational resources) of gaps at the pre-training, training design and delivery, and post-training stages. Organizational factors generally reduced gaps at the pre-training and post-training stages, while the individual factor marginally increased the gap at the pre-training stage. The knowing-doing gap for training design and delivery practices was not predicted by any of the individual or organizational variables.     

The Effect of Implicit and Explicit Rules on Customer Greeting and Productivity in a Retail Organization

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of presenting organizational information through implicit and explicit rules on sales-related target behaviors in a retail setting. Results indicated that when organizational information was presented in a specific form, productivity was increased and maintained longer than when presented in other forms. The data provided by secret shoppers generally resembled the findings of the data collected in the experiment.     

Children's narratives of post-divorce family life: from individual experience to an ethical disposition

This article draws on interviews with 60 children and young people to explore how they construct narrative accounts of post‐divorce family life. Rather than seeking to describe children's experiences as if their accounts are simple factual recollections, the focus of the article is on how young people position themselves in their narratives and the ways in which they construct their past experiences. It is argued that these narratives are multi‐layered, often revealing ambivalence and contradictions. The conclusion turns to the question of whether these individual accounts can give rise to what might be referred to as an ethical disposition in which children's experiences can inform a broader social ethos on how to divorce ‘in the proper manner’.