The information agent extension system implemented in the Rhode Island Department of Education resulted from modifications made to the model developed by the National Center for Educational Communication (now the Office of Research and Development Resources in the National Institute of Education). The Rhode Island system houses its agents in the Department of Education, rather than in local agencies, utilizes persons who were formerly subject matter specialists, and regards information services as one component of overall program development assistance. Evaluation of the system indicates that: 1) the role transformation from subject matter specialist to information specialist can be accomplished; 2) the extension system is effective, since it provides necessary information which has an impact upon local schools; 3) the information system functions best when it adopts top and middle level management personnel as its local targets; and 4) that consultants function most effectively when they stress that information services are properly regarded as part of total program development assistance. (Author/PB)