This book establishes a framework that can be used to evaluate software for tracking and analyzing student records. First, it examines the characteristics the user should look for in a student-records management software package. Users should be aware of the dangers and costs of replacing a system or integrating new software into an existing system. How to make the selection process go smoothly is also discussed. Users will learn what to look for in database features, security, the user interface, system requirements, technical support, and training. The second part of the guide presents sets of criteria that can be used to evaluate software packages. These criteria cover all basic features of student-records management software. Three high-end systems are reviewed to show how the criteria are to be applied. These are: (1) "Registrar's Office" by Blackbaud; (2) "Win School" by Chancery; and (3) "Administrator's Plus" by Rediker. The final section of the guide gives an in-depth examination of the three high-end systems with a more thorough discussion of each system's strengths and weaknesses. The template this guide presents will enable a user to define the institution's needs and then design evaluation criteria to supplement those proposed in the guide to assure the most informed selection of software possible. One appendix contains vendor and product information, and the other is an evaluation checklist. (Contains 13 references.) (SLD)