Possible impacts of changing information technology on the role of the institutional researcher, who serves as a decision support intermediary, are examined. Attention is directed to measurement, human information processing, and decision support technology. It is noted that management information systems are dependent on measurement for data gathering, data processing, and the managerial inquiring and deciding subsystems. To illustrate a dimension of a measurement framework, seven maxims for institutional research (Hackman, 1983) are discussed; these are based on cognitive theory and provide insight on the trend in the role of the intermediary. In addition, concepts of the decision support system (DSS) are explained. Finally, the results of surveys of institutional research directors at Canadian and U.S. universities concerning the implementation of information technology and the use of DDS are described. It is concluded that the role of the intermediary is probably not threatened by existing information technology but that the intermediary should expand traditional activities to include aid for management's user-driven computing for decision support. The alternative is for these services to be run by data processing or administrative systems departments. (Author/SW)