The kind of data useful to a statewide planning agency is considered, with focus on Illinois, and attention is directed to the use of these data once generated, including resulting problems. Illinois is currently engaged in the conceptual design of a computerized management information system that will contain as a subset the State Level Information Base (SLIB) being developed under the auspices of the National Center for Higher Education Management Systems. A review of the planning agency's statutory responsibilities is the first step in the design of an information system. The statute will specify the areas of involvement for a planning agency, such as program review and approval, which prescribes the types of information that must be available in the information and indicates what issues the agency is likely to confront. Before designing the information system, it is necessary to attempt to determine what directions higher education will be taking. A 10-year master plan by the Illinois Board of Education concerns enrollment planning; student access; faculty and staff resources; program planning, review, and evaluation; operational funding; and facilities, space, and capital planning. An information system must also address routine needs--such as budget preparation, program approval, and institutional reports--and the data must be collected according to agreed upon definitions and procedures so that adversaries cannot argue that the data are bad, and that an effective spokesperson can interpret the results in terms that the policy maker can understand. (SW)