The argument is made that without proper staffing and support (a condition that occurs as financial pressures on higher education institutions increase) institutional research will not be able to prepare analyses of enough depth and sophistication to constitute a meaningful contribution to policy-making. An outline is provided as to how to increase productivity, staffing, and resources. The outline contains ideas and recommendations concerning the use of personal time management techniques, the use of microcomputers by personnel, development of an annual research plan, acquiring an office management system, use of an institutional factbook, the creation of networked decision support systems, and collaboration with external organizations. Suggestions are made on gaining more research staff: using consultants and faculty research associates, obtaining grant-funded positions, making the researcher's office more valuable and visible, and requesting new positions at appropriate opportunities. Contains seven references. (GLR)