ABSTRACT
Feelings of dread are typical of the emotions that many university administrators feel when they confront issues involving computers. Because of administrators' lack of knowledge, they present the case for computing largely on faith and, because of similar lack of knowledge, their constituencies must accept the case for computing on faith as well. A brief description of the computer facilities at Iowa may give readers some feeling for the context of the remarks. The University of Iowa has three main computer systems on campus. They are associated with Data, the University Hospital Computer Center, and the University Computer Center. The growing potential for interactions between computers may make it necessary for institutions to have computer czars responsible to the highest levels of central administration for computer facilities and computational activities. The hierarchy of computers will be able to serve both the instructional and research needs of students and faculty largely through terminals located close to their classrooms and offices.
