Experiences of pilot-test state agencies in developing an information system are summarized, as part of the State Level Information Base project. The background and functions of each of the eight pilot-test state agencies are described, along with the information systems approach, and planning responsibilities (comprehensive planning, budgeting, and program review). Attention is also directed to each agency's data set, the developmental schedule and resources involved, the nature of the postsecondary education community being addressed, and the costs of each state's information system. In addition, results are reported of special efforts to identify the information required for state-level adult- and continuing education planning (developed in cooperation with Idaho and Nebraska) and state-level educational outcomes analysis (developed in cooperation with Hawaii and Rhode Island). The institutions are as follows: California Postsecondary Education Commission, University of Hawaii, Illinois Board of Higher Education, Kentucky Council of Higher Education, New Jersey Department of Higher Education, New York State Education Department, South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, and the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. (SW)