Abstract
Small colleges, troubled by demands on financial aid, constrained by external pressures to limit the growth of tuition and fees, and driven by increased competition for students, appear poorly positioned to be technology leaders. However, in these difficult times they have opportunities to distinguish themselves through focused applications of information technology resources in support of their missions. Taking a leadership role in technology can have significant payoffs as well as substantial risks. This paper examines both the costs and benefits of technology leadership for small colleges. This paper has been updated as an article in _CAUSE/EFFECT_ magazine (CEM9625).