The author argues that the modern computer is well suited to performing the data compiling searching, modifying, and copying involved in linguistic field work, thus leaving the linguist more time for the "creative work of recognizing significant examples and formulating rules." Work is already under way at the University of Chicago to develop computer programs that are flexible enough to be adaptable to the needs of a great number of linguists. The compiling of concordances and bilingual dictionaries is cited as one specific area in which computer assistance can be especially valuable, and the author discusses how such compilations can aid in morphemic analysis. (FWB)