The components of an information system for institutions in higher education are described. The information produced from such a system will be that which is required not only for record keeping and operations but also for planning and budgeting. Technical details are not included, only an overview of the main components of the system as seen from the user's viewpoint. The need for a data bank and a strategy for developing it are examined, followed by a description of the set of models and instructions necessary for data processing. The use of the instructions regarding record keeping, planning, and budgeting is discussed. Specific cases are cited in the final section: one from Europe, HIS, and the other from the United States, NCHEMS. Detailed flow charts are included. (LBH)