Data collection and analyses of college records and interviewing provided a cross-sectional view of data flow and information transmission in a small college. The micro-analysis of interview data, forms, and reports yielded a picture of functional relationships, clarified loci of decision making, and stipulated functions served by data items. These became instruments to the identification of critical issues and problem areas. The macro-analysis of the superstructure and policies combined with the policy implications from the external environment yielded a contextual framework for the self analysis. The observations of the study group provided the institution a skeletal reconstruction of its record system. The greatest contributions were descriptions of organizational conditions that had to be addressed as both policy and operational issues. Through the interviews it became clear that each administrator, staff, and faculty member viewed the system, its priorities, effectiveness and efficiency from his reference point in the organizational scheme. By following the information flow it was determined that the admissions office played a key role in establishing and collecting information. The interview sessions also made it possible to identify trouble spots and areas of misinformation. Planning toward an automated information system is considered. (SW)