CSAR (Characteristic Storage And Retrieval) is the name of an interactive item bank system for the storage, retrieval, manipulation, and summarization of information about multiple choice test items. The purpose of the system is to facilitate the test construction process. The system has two main components: one or more item banks and an interactive item selection program. Nonstatistical, traditional item analysis, and item response theory item information is stored in each bank. This information is then accessed interactively by test editors using a wide variety of different item selection criteria. The paper describes the CSAR system briefly and discusses the design decisions around which it was developed. Recommendations are offered to others who might be considering a similar venture. (Author)