Microcomputers need to be introduced and effectively managed in academic organizations, where compatibility becomes an important issue as users wish to communicate with other users via computer. The need to standardize hardware and software thus becomes an important issue. The first step in selecting a microcomputer standard is the selection of a search committee to determine the specific set of microcomputer needs on the campus. This committee should represent and consider the interests of four areas of concern: administrative, end user, technical, and training. In the second step, the selection of software, the end users, technical staff, and trainers need to concentrate on the best fit in the campus environment. Issues to be considered include flexibility, future needs, DOS compatibility, types of training to be done, and the reputation of the vendor. Technical representatives on the committee will play a major role in the third phase, the selection of hardware. Technical factors to be considered will range from processor speed and display clarity to possibilities for upgrading the system. Ways to facilitate the fourth phase, implementation, range from getting end users involved in pre-installation planning, through running computer systems parallel with manual and exiting automated systems in the beginning and installing microcomputers in phases wherever possible, to taking ergonomic considerations into account when planning workstations. (BBM)