Smyrna times., 1962-05-24

had central purchasing for eight
years under the direction of
Richard Brakeman, who came
from the industrial field. He
orders some 10000 different
items a year, ranging from
mosquitoes and pregnant guinea
pigs for use in agricultural
experimentation, to a nuclear
reactor and an electron micro
scope for the school of engin-
eering.
Blackeman's duties involve
keeping inventory of property
to avoid unnecessary pur-
chases, and being aware of
faculty and staff needs to get
the best possible discounts thru
buying in large quantities.
AS a result of his efforts,
the university is in the diaper
business. Diapers are lint free,
it seems, and are best for clean
ing laboratory glassware. The
university used to spend ST., 300
a year for towels and rags;
now it spends only $l86 for
cleaning materials.
The best price is not always
the best bargain, Blackeman
often finds, as in the case of
carpeting, upholstery and drap-
cry materials--and billiard ia =
BILE covers. Utilizing the facil-
tiles of the school of home
economics, fabrics are tested
for strengh. fadability and
variability.
When the universitywas look
ing for new covers for its
Student Center billiard tables,
it was determined that the best
material was also the most
costly, but would be more eco
nomical in terms of long wear.
Utilization of existing campus
laboratory facilities helps the
university save money in other
areas. Fuel oil is tested to de-
termine the most efficient brand
and grade for campus boilers,
bacterial smears from dining
hall plates are studied for germ
count in seeking the best de-
tergents, foods are tested for
nutrition, concrete is tested for
strength, and soil samples are
examined to determine what
fertilizers best satisfy campus
needs.
Delaware purchases some is
to 10000 gallons Of ice cream
a year after testing various
brands for appearance, odor,
flavor, butterfat and food value
per unit of volume.
Maintenance of grounds and
buildings is headed by Eugene
Pierce and his physical plant
staff of plumbers, carpenters,
electricians and grounds keep
ers. They are constantly seek
ing economieg and more eff
cient ways of operation. I'LL.
Remodeling and small con-
struction jobs are usually done
by the university's own staff.
Recent projects have included
design and construction of BIZ
cycle racks around the campus
and sound-proof practice rooms
for the music department.
Recently the university spent
$4,000 in installation of heat
control equipment designed tc
keep the temperature in all
rooms and buildings at an ever
level. This saves $5-8,000 E
year in fuel costs, thus re-
covering the initial investment
within a few years.
BY providing storage space
to enable bulk purchase of gas
oline, the univer sity saves
$4,000 annually over the retail
price of motor fuel; and {
window shing gadget tina
reaches four stories without ;
ladder saves $4,000 a year il
time and labor.
Another time and Step-savin{
device is the tranSiStor radio
receiver each foreman and Sc
curity guard carries. He cal
be summoned quickly to an,
trouble spot on the campus
Many dollars are saved Oh
the drawing boards. The off
set dormitory room, unique a
Delaware and being copied else
where, not only makes a NOR,
4.