Perspectives concerning search committees for college faculty and administrators are considered. Most of the existing literature on college and university search committees deals with general presidential and, to a lesser extent, with administrative searches. Search committees are a fairly recent phenomenon in higher education, and their growth is the result of state and federal legislation affecting faculty and staff members, a more participatory approach to college administration, and an enlarged pool of qualified candidates. Although the search process is subtle and varied, major activities of search committees include: organizing the group, advertising and seeking nominations, screening the applications, checking references, arranging interviews, and making a recommendation to the group or person making the final decision. A careful selection of search committee members and a clear mandate for the committee are important. Another major prerequisite is that search committee members be familiar with the problems, needs, and values of the school or department. Finally, a realistic position description and a thoughtful list of candidate qualifications are needed by the committee. Information on a time table for a presidential search and the cost of a search are included. (SW)