The basic thrust of the planning and operation of the research project reported here was to investigate methods of accelerating the development of a climate of receptivity to new influences in the emerging and vital area of networking, to which the Ohio library community has a recorded commitment and whose impact will create a new perspective, and a needed new opportunity for public library services. The Ohio Project for Research in Information Service (OPRIS) was designed to meet the following objectives: Provide information and research aid, through existing library organizations, to government agencies; develop effective communication among libraries and government agencies by enlisting their cooperation in satisfying information needs; demonstrate a functioning model of an information network; and, collect data useful for the design and operation of a statewide multi-function reference and information network. The Project was further seen as a development tool with interfaces to aspects of the Ohio Library Development Plan through its potential for contributing to: strengthening the State Library's services to state government; providing a prototype model for a statewide information network; and, building a resource of immediate availability to the State's ALSOs (Area Library Service Organizations). (Author/SJ)