This study investigates the bases for constructing quantitative and qualitative measures of Australian Colleges of Advanced Education (CAE) library collection adequacy, and the feasibility of producing specialized and appropriate measures to guide future collection planning. Adequacy is based on the libraries' policies for providing materials to students and faculty. The report presents in detail procedures and results of six studies conducted as part of the research design: (1) survey of statistics relating to size of holdings, additions to, and loans from CAE collections; (2) study of present adequacy of library collections in five CAE libraries assessed by performance on a documents delivery test; (3) study of requirements for monographs based on subject assessment by teachers and librarians; (4) study of serials titles required for adequate support of courses and research; (5) study of alternative sources of course reading materials used by students; and (6) subject examination of methods suggested in published literature for improving quality and availability of collections. The study makes 38 recommendations for improving comparative statistical reporting, quantitative provision for collections, improving budgeting for collections, increasing availability and use of library materials, improving quality of collections, and further study. An extensive literature review, bibliography, and appendices are published in volume 2 (IR 004 762). (KP)