This paper assessing the development of libraries in Chile focuses on the public library movement. An introductory section on the historical, economic, technological, and educational background of Chile is provided, as well as a discussion of the adverse effect of the military regime on the country's cultural life. The main part of the paper describes the impact of legislation and other national programs to improve national libraries, and discusses the history and development of the national library and of a series of national bibliographies. Legislation concerning libraries is presented, including an explanation of the laws of legal deposit (authors are required to submit a copy of their works to the national library). The late arrival of the printing press in Chile is cited as the reason for a slow increase in number of books and printed materials. The current status of public libraries is assessed in relation to these main points: (1) the lack of adequate planning for public libraries, (2) progress of library education, (3) development of the nation's library association, and (4) attempts to integrate public libraries into the educational process. (SW)