LINKING ROLES IN THE DISSEMINATION AND UTILIZATION OF KNOWLEDGE ARE INVESTIGATED. THE VARIOUS TYPES OF AGENTS LINKING RESEARCH AND PRACTICE INCLUDE--(1) THE CONVEYOR, (2) THE CONSULTANT, (3) THE LEADER, (4) KNOWLEDGE BUILDERS, (5) THE DEFENDER, (6) THE INNOVATOR, (7) PRACTITIONERS, AND (8) THE USER. THREE ISSUES CONCERNING THE INSTITUTIONAL CONTEXT OF THE LINKING ROLE ARE EXAMINED--(1) INSTITUTIONAL BARRIERS WHICH AFFECT KNOWLEDGE DISSEMINATION AND UTILIZATION, (2) INSTITUTION TYPES WHICH MOST EFFECTIVELY SUPPORT AND CONTROL LINKING ROLES, AND (3) INSTITUTION TYPES WHICH SERVE AS LINKERS. ENDEMIC PROBLEMS IN LINKING ROLES ARE SUMMARIZED IN TERMS OF OVERLOAD AND MARGINALITY. PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION REQUIRE FOUR ACTIONS TO BUILD A FUNCTIONING SYSTEM OF KNOWLEDGE LINKERS--(1) BUILD AN INSTITUTION WHICH INCLUDES AND SUPPORTS THE REQUIRED ROLES, (2) RECRUIT CANDIDATES TO SERVE IN THESE ROLES, (3) TRAIN THESE RECRUITS TO FILL THE ROLES, AND (4) SUPPLY THEM WITH THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY TO HELP THEM DO A GOOD JOB. THIS PAPER WAS PRESENTED AT THE UCEA CAREER DEVELOPMENT SEMINAR, CO-SPONSORED BY THE UNIVERSITY COUNCIL FOR EDUCATIONAL ADMINISTRATION AND THE UNIVERSITY OF OREGON (17TH, PORTLAND, OREGON, OCTOBER 22-25, 1967). (HW)