A feasibility study examined the capability of a computer-based system's handling of technical information pertinent to the design of instructional systems. Structured interviews were held to assess the information needs of both researchers and practitioners and an investigation was conducted of 10 computer-based information storage and retrieval systems which could serve as the basis for a technical information system. Question-answering computer systems relying on artificial intelligence concepts were reviewed and considered in terms of providing a prescriptive interactive system. It was concluded that practicable generalized semantic information retrieval systems would require further development. It was further decided that the design and implementation of a natural language automated information retrieval system encompassing the rudimentary features of a prescriptive system was feasible, both in terms of the technical information resources provided and its cost-effectiveness. Lastly, an on-line interactive retrieval system was designed and a model data base of approximately 500 literature-derived comprehensive abstracts was implemented and tested to confirm the feasibility of the system. (Author)