Recent technological advances in computers and communications make possible the integration of data systems and the exchange of data among them on an expanding scale. However, the full effect of these advances cannot be realized unless the need for uniform understanding of the common information (data elements) and its expression in data systems is recognized and a means provided to effectively manage this information. The increasing interrelationships among the data systems of Federal, State, and local governments, and with industry and the public, add emphasis and dimension to the need for the improved management of data elements in information processing. These Proceedings bring together 34 speakers discussing data element management in the fields of health care, water resources, state government information systems, transportation, libraries, market research, manufacturing, banking, information retrieval systems, military systems, computer programing and software systems, and motor vehicle registration. (Author/WH)