This report on the sequence of events and administrative decisions leading up to voter action on public library bond issues presents a description of the process that each of three Illinois cities went through. In two of the three cities a new library has no t been built because the bond issue referendums were defeated by the voters. In the third city, voters approved the bond issue in its second referendum. The descriptions of the processes are followed by a comparative discussion of each element in these processes. The results of the analysis have been generalized and are presented as flow charts, along with other conclusions drawn from these three experiences. Suggestions for a successful campaign, based on this examination, involve: anticipation of opposition; use of a citizens' committee; a good knowledge of local politics; approaching the community power structure before the campaign opens; use of opinion polls; advice and technical assistance from the American Library Association; retaining professionally trained public relations personnel; and a continuous effort to explain and demonstrate how a public library can serve its community. (Author/JB)