Current Information Management Inadequacies: The burden of inefficient information management continues unabated, exacerbated by the dramatically expanding collection of administrative records, artifacts, and research products of all manner and variety. According to the U.S. National Park Service, the NPS has over 10 million museum objects, including furnishings, paintings, flags, notes, botanical specimens, basketry and crafts, and archaeological artifacts. Over 90% of these museum objects have not yet been properly cataloged (National Park Service, 1986). This means that these objects are virtually inaccessible to research, interpretation, or administrative activities. Additionally, the Cultural Resources Management Bibliography (CRBIB) lists the titles of over 7000 reports about history, architecture, archaeology, and collections within the NPS. Much of this information is one of a kind, and although these reports are on microfiche, access to them is cumbersome and time consuming. For such information resources to contribute to decision processes, a more effective reference and retrieval mechanism is absolutely essential. It is at the point where each resource management decision is made that the need for accurate, reliable information on which to base those decisions is most critical. The challenge facing those charged with the management of cultural resources is not only the fundamental need to understand the causes and effects of resource degradation, but additionally, the access to appropriate skills, knowledge, and technologies that can be used to redress these threats. Improvement in the flow of information is essential for the design of systems that effectively preserve the integrity of the resource in the face of environmental attack (both from natural and social forces). Meeting Management Needs (Current) Future Management Needs Preservation Data Storage and Retrieval Active/Reactive Postures