This paper summarizes major experiences and practices of information development units of state-based career information systems which produce accurate, current, and localized occupational and educational information for career planning. It is intended as a guide for states considering setting up a similar system and for staff members in presently developing state-based systems of career information. Sections of the paper provide explanations and detail related to these areas: (1) characteristics of good information, (2) definition of an implementation strategy to follow and information topics to be covered, (3) staffing the information development unit, (4) use of a data collection strategy that relies on existing data sources, (5) implementation of a systematic information updating design, and (6) use of workplans to organize major tasks. Appendixes include a workplan and job descriptions of information development unit staff. (YLB)