An Association of Research Libraries (ARL) telephone survey indicated that staff associations in many large academic and research libraries have developed into distinct action-oriented groups. This appears to be due to a combination of factors including increased staff interest in the library decision-making process, the emergence on changed forms of library governance, and greater recognition by library administrators of the potential contributions of such associations. The current role of staff associations has broadened from concentrations on social interests and welfare of library staff to include the enhancement of professional librarian status within the library and the university, and contributions toward the identification and resolution of substantive operational concerns. The survey also revealed an important cooperative endeavor undertaken by academic and research library staff, i.e., the publication of staff newsletters that serve as a communicative device for staff throughout the library. While such publications deal largely with personnel issues, many also serve a bulletin-board function and describe internal activities and accomplishments. A spectrum of tones, formats, and content coverage appears among newsletters. Originally prepared in 1975 and updated in 1979, this kit contains by-laws and constitutions of staff associations from six ARL member libraries and examples of staff association newsletters from four libraries. (THC)