Libraries and information centers are rapidly becoming an integral part of American Indian life. Individuals, organizations, and tribes have come to the decision that libraries and the information services which they offer are necessary to meet Indian goals. Although these goals may vary widely from improved access to education, cultural information, information on available social services, to leisure reading, they are all based in a component or institution designed to process information--a library. Eleven guides have been developed to summarize the state-of-the-art in Indian librarianship in a series of brief, practical guides. Each guide discusses basic policies, initial steps, or discreet activities essential to successful Indian library service. The guides present three basic types of information: societal coping skills, basic considerations for implementation, and descriptions of services unique or critical to Indian libraries. Guide 1 briefly discusses establishing initial contacts with the Indian community. It emphasizes how to cope with societal differences in Indian communities. Definitions are given for library, information, and Indian community. Five sources for further reading are also cited. (NQ)