Directed toward librarians and library administrators who wish to procure automated systems or services for their libraries, this guide offers practical suggestions, advice, and methods for determining requirements, estimating costs and benefits, writing specifications procuring systems, negotiating contracts, and installing systems. The advice reflects the experiences of librarians themselves. Systems and services designed to meet the needs of acquisitions, audiovisual cataloging, circulation, reference, and serials functions are described. Appendices include a directory of systems, services, and vendors, as well as a glossary of computer terms. (FM)