A survey of institutional researchers at 243 New England colleges and universities examined respondents' (N=127) views on the current and projected roles of institutional research. Results document limited resources particularly in small institutions. Also, a majority of institutional researchers reported that they were engaged extensively in doing administrative reports; only a minority were conducting policy studies. Bivariate analyses revealed the strongest relationships between the institution's size and the scope of the institutional research function, the reporting relationship, and the size and qualifications of the institutional research staff. Multivariate analysis identified the size of the institutional research staff and the qualifications of the institutional research director as significant predictors of involvement in planning and policy studies. These data indicate the need to enhance the presence, qualifications and level of activity of institutional researchers in order to strengthen their contribution to institutional decision making. Recommendations address the need to: (1) enhance the capacity for conducting complex research studies, (2) shift the focus from reporting to research, (3) strengthen the capacity for institutional research at small colleges, (4) create and support high level audiences for institutional research studies, (5) increase involvement in academic studies, and (6) expand the focus of institutional research to include relevant factors and trends in the external environment. (Contains 11 references.) (Author/DB)