This research report presents the results of a survey of public libraries that serve areas where populations are 25,000 or fewer individuals. The long range goal of the study was to gather data that would help to initially describe some of the circumstances in which and because of which rural information services exist and endure. Questionnaires were mailed to 1,111 public libraries chosen from the American Library Directory, 1980. The data are based on a final sample of 666 respondents (60%) and are divided into two parts: Sample A represents the total number of responses and Sample B is a sub-set (N=234) representing libraries in communities of 2,500 or fewer individuals. The report includes information on type of library, patron populations and their information needs, staff members' positions and education, volunteers, budgets and sources of funds, library services, policy statements, types and number of reference questions asked, procedures for dealing with reference questions that cannot be answered, daily work breakdowns, equipment available, hours of operation, online services, and problems in providing reference services. Regional statistics are analyzed and shown in relation to national averages. The survey instrument and a 25-item reference list are included. (THC)