In a study to determine patterns of public library funding and to find alternative options for improving library support, the present level of funding has been found woefully inadequate. Total expenditures for public library service in 1971-72 were $184 million. In order to fulfill the public library's role as an information source for people at the local level, expenditures of $1.7 to $2.1 billion would be necessary in 1974. In an examination of alternatives for funding an adequate level of service for the entire nation, the conclusion was reached that a balanced intergovernmental funding system--federal, state, and local--would be most effective. This could be achieved over a ten-year period with increased state and federal support, decreased local support, a revised Library Services and Construction Act, coordinated federal and state planning for a national library services program, and additional federal funds for capital improvements necessary to upgrade services in less well-served areas. (LS)