The use of space standards and comparative space data in university space allocation processes are examined. Current space standards and space utilization measures are reviewed. The relationship of space allocation to other research topics and to university decision-making processes is also addressed. The following methods of space comparison are covered: professionally-developed space standards, inter-university or external data, and intra-university or internal data. Concerns regarding the implementation of space comparisons include: a campus space inventory, the use of computer retrievals, and types of analyses (e.g., review of all space within a building, review of types of space). Two space allocation goals for research universities are proposed: provide appropriate support for educational, research, or support activities; and utilize space effectively. In addition, five criteria are suggested to evaluate how well specific space allocation proposals achieve these goals. It is suggested that space needs of different academic fields differ substantially. Some standards can be uniform university-wide, while others must vary by academic field. In using space standards to estimate space requirements for a program, it is better to limit the estimate to the total net square feet required. (SW)