Scientists/engineers from industry, universities, and government met to: review the status of scientific instrumentation in university research laboratories; explore new approaches to alleviating problems within existing budgetary constraints; and suggest ways for the National Research Council (NRC) to help. Federal agency, corporate, and university reports are provided in separate sections. Also provided (in appendices) are testimonies on scientific instrumentation presented to the U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Science, Research, and Technology, and letter reports (including one on debt financing of scientific equipment). Although serious problems in providing instrumentation in university research laboratories were recognized, an appeal for major infusion of new federal funds was not seen as the first priority. Rather, it was recognized that there are natural forces at work in the process of allocating resources that tend to drive the university system toward preserving manpower levels at the expense of scientific instrumentation. Because of this fact, such approaches as centralized research facilities, block funding, risk management, and debt financing at universities were considered. Formation of an NRC action group was also considered, recommending that the group draft a statement encouraging a multipronged approach toward two key objectives. These objectives, and mechanisms to achieve them, are discussed. (JN)