This study was conducted to explore possibilities for cooperative library activities in the 36 county region of the Abilene Major Resource System which has the Abilene Public Library as the Major Resource Center. The report begins with a consideration of the region as an environment for public library service, followed by a detailed assessment of the 35 public libraries. In addition to a consideration of the locally-provided services and collections, there is a description of the Texas State Library's Major Resource Center and Area Library program as it affects the region. Consideration of academic libraries includes an assessment of services and collections and a description of resources outside the region to which the academic library group has access. The description of the school library situation includes comments on the regional centers recently established to assist local school districts and their libraries. The relatively few special libraries in the region are also described. The major needs identified are (1) publicity on the importance of libraries, (2) cooperation among existing libraries of all types, (3) establishing long-range goals for the libraries of the region, and (4) strengthening the Abilene Public Library in its leadership role. Specific recommendations for implementing these needs are made. (JB)