This paper defines a conceptual model for institutional research in the community college and identifies sources of information, programs, and services that provide data necessary for implementation of the model. The model contains four specific subsystems: goal setting, program development, program review, and cost effectiveness. Each subsystem distinctively relates to planning and decision making and each has component data fields that identify and organize information into subject categories. The data fields include community, students, programs, and resources. In order for research in any subsystem to be valuable and an effective determinant in policy making, it must take into account the various aspects of all data fields. Translation of research data into planning concepts and alternatives is the crux of the research enterprise. After program outcome data have been collected, management guidelines are necessary to the translation process. Establishing guidelines involves setting up systemwide priorities and requires administrators to formulate some decision apparatus for converting data into action. A list of programs, services, and resource materials for the four subsystems is provided and includes such items as measurement instruments and reference works. (TR)