Intended as an orientation guide, this manual presents information on library network operations for use by staff and advisory council members of the Texas Library System. The first chapter describes the role of systems in public library development in Texas, with a delineation of the history of Texas library systems, a chronology of related events from 1962 to 1983, and a discussion of key concepts related to public library development and systems. A second chapter describes system governance at the regional level and the role of the State Library and Archives Commission in system governance, while chapter 3 discusses system funding under the Library Systems Act and system services. In the fourth chapter system administration is reviewed, including financial management, performance management, planning for system services, and the management of other operational areas. A final chapter outlines five major issues which will face Texas library systems in the 1980's: accreditation of public libraries, development of multitype library systems, the possibility of legislating direct aid to public libraries, the option of nonprofit corporation governance for library systems, and determination of geographical system boundaries. Appendices provide a calendar for filing applications and reports with the Texas State Library, notes for new coordinators on important system documents, and a list of the roles and responsibilities of advisory council members. (ESR)