Provisions for the control and planning of public libraries in Australian capital cities are examined from an urban planning viewpoint. Discussion focuses on: (1) attitudes, statements, and the availability of data regarding locational planning of public libraries in urban areas; (2) planning techniques and principles which are of value to urban planners who are asked to advise on locational planning of public libraries; (3) development of five main classifications of public library locations; (4) examination of 75 public libraries in Melbourne including a review of their regional organization based on local government units, their distribution within the five locational classifications, and the effect of local government boundaries on locational planning; and (5) the comparative influence of agencies participating in the decision making process for planning of public library locations in Melbourne. Findings indicate that little attention has been given to locational requirements and patterns of public libraries; the central place theory may be the only major solution to the locational planning of public libraries; and generalized statements made by 50 per cent of the 239 librarians interviewed indicate that public libraries should be located close to the center of commercial activity. An appendix summarizes the extensive field survey of Melbourne public libraries, including comments on regional development, downtown deficiencies, and an alternative macro approach to locational planning. (Author/JPF)