This manual was designed to provide the library manager or supervisor with a basic understanding of microcomputer hardware, software, procurement, and supervision. While developed for a summer workshop series, it can also serve as an introductory text. Separate chapters cover 10 major topics: (1) the microtechnology revolution; (2) how a microprocessor chip is made; (3) internal memories and data storage; (4) microcomputer bus standards and configurations; (5) peripheral devices; (6) software basics; (7) software development, requirements, and maintenance; (8) sources of information on the microcomputer hardware/software market, including microcomputer literature, technical reporting services, user groups, and vendors; (9) microcomputer management; and (10) management of the public access microcomputer program. Terms and operations are further explained with 16 illustrations. Appendices include a guide to the five types of microprocessors likely to be referenced by vendors, a 60-item bibliography, diagrams for interpreting hardware and software product literature, a schematic for reading a microcomputer hardware configuration, a list of computer clubs and microcomputer user groups, the ASCII character set, and a list of microcomputer publications. (LMM)