Indispensable Resources for Institutional Researchers: An Analysis of AIR Publication Topics Since 1974. AIR 1997 Annual Forum Paper.

This study identified and classified the Association for Institutional Research (AIR) publication topics and authors since 1973 in order to provide a reference resource for institutional researchers. The study reviewed the following AIR publication collections: "Research in Higher Education"; "New Directions for Institutional Research"; "Resources in Institutional Research"; "AIR Professional File"; and the "Higher Education Handbook of Theory and Research." A matrix of topics was developed relying on the seven AIR Forum Tracks: (1) "Enrollment Management and Student Affairs"; (2) "Institutional Effectiveness, Student Learning, and Outcomes Assessment"; (3) "Academic Program and Faculty Issues"; (4) "Resource Management and Quality Improvement"; (5) "Policy Analysis, Planning, and Governance"; (6) "Theory, Practice, and Ethics of Institutional Research"; and (7) "Technology and Tools for Institutional Research." A table shows the distribution of AIR publications by track. An appendix contains descriptions of the AIR publications. (JLS)