This report presents and explains new standards developed for Alabama public libraries in response to a need for a clearly articulated, easily used, and broadly based public library planning and development tool. Intended to provide an overview of the new standards, the introduction discusses why the standards were developed; their purposes; how they are significantly different from the old standards of 1982; how the new standards were developed; and how they should be used. Library standards and the seven-stage planning process model are explained, as are the assumptions underlying the planning process. Specific, quantitative standards are then provided for the various functions of the public library, including administration, access, collections, services, community relations, and cooperation with other types of libraries. Standards for public library systems are also provided for administration, library development/service extension, consulting and services, and resource sharing. Appendixes contain guidelines for developing personnel, collection development, and library service policies together with a list of the types of materials recommended for a basic reference collection, and a list of public libraries and library systems in Alabama. (6 references) (EW)