Balancing Computer Resources with Institutional Needs. AIR Forum Paper 1978.

To estimate computer needs at a higher education institution, the major types of users and their future needs should be determined. In a large or complex university, three major groups of users are typically instructional, research, and administrative. After collecting information on the needs of these users, the needs can be translated into machine characteristics and capabilities. The two major instructional uses of computers are computer-assisted instruction and developing and grading tests. Three types of research activities for which a computer is required are data processing, scientific analysis, and utility utilization. Administrative uses of computer services involve maintenance, analysis, and reporting from large data bases. A questionnaire that can be used to collect data on computer needs from the three major users is included. A discussion about making projections of future needs from estimates of use is presented. (SW)