The overriding goals of this research project, which investigated the extent to which the rural public library is meeting the information needs of its constituents, are to enable the rural public library to become a more efficient disseminator of information and to enhance its role in the development of rural America. The study targeted both rural library clientele and non-clientele through two questionnaires and telephone surveys to elicit information on: (1) the role and functions of the rural public library; (2) client attitudes about the library; (3) why the majority of library users are female; (4) client information needs; and (5) whether libraries should charge service fees. It is noted that current disuse of a marketing approach to libraries by the typical rural librarian underlies the entire report. Concluding the report are the research team's conclusions and recommendations, the research team roster, and copies of the survey instruments with tallies of the responses to the individual questions. (46 references) (MAB)