Of the 64 libraries responding to a 1978 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) survey, 37 indicated that they used automated circulation systems; half of these were commercial systems, and most were batch-process or combination batch process and online. Nearly all libraries without automated systems cited lack of funding as the reason for not automating. This collection of documents comprises: (1) a detailed survey response analysis; (2) four planning documents including a systems analysis and design study from Colorado State University and a project definition from University of Wisconsin/Madison; (3) two descriptions of conversion activities from Iowa State University and University of North Carolina; (4) two reports from Rutgers University on the effects of automated acquisitions on library operations and staffing (one concerning staffing requirements); (5) four descriptions of uses of systems management information for library use studies and collection development purposes, one from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, one from University of Connecticut, and two from Washington University; and (6) three policy statements on confidentiality and access to circulation records, from University of Michigan, Iowa State University, and Rutgers University respectively. This collection is introduced by a concise summary which discusses conversion and training; effects on organization and staffing, library operations and use, and management information; and general systems evaluations. (THC)