This SPEC (Systems and Procedures Exchange Center) Kit reports results of a survey attempting to characterize "branch libraries" and "discrete collections" housed in main academic libraries. The results provide a snapshot of current definitions, subject areas, services, and administration of these collections, as well as document the reasons and influences for changes, both past and anticipated. The survey was distributed to the 122 Association of Research Libraries (ARL) members in the summer of 1999, and 54 responses (44%) were received. Fifty-one institutions reported having over 400 branch libraries and other discrete collection locations, excluding law, medical, government documents, and special collections. Results are provided on: definition of terms, subject areas, services, administration, past changes, decision-making factors, details of new locations, details of closed locations, details of mergers, anticipated changes, impact of electronic resources, and evaluation process. Documents representing library policies and procedures, and planning and evaluation from selected responding libraries are presented after the survey form. Contains 13 selected resources. (AEF)