In setting standards for a large and geographically dispersed library system, one must reconcile the many varying practices that affect what is being measured or discussed. The California State University and Colleges (CSUC) consists of 19 very distinct campuses. The problems and solutions of one type of CSUC library are not likely to be those of all CSUC libraries. For example a 1974 survey of microform equipment on all the campuses showed widely different experiences with the same brand of equipment. If one looks at the interval from the time a standard is first suggested until it is approved, one finds that it usually goes through several revisions. For example, in 1969, representatives of the recording industry suggested that there be a uniform coding system for all products of the music industry; but today, in 1975, the standards have still not been totally accepted. The process of developing standards is necessarily one of compromise; so perhaps the most tangible way librarians can influence the evolution of standards is simply to meet to decide what their needs are, examine what solutions are available, and get whatever consensus is possible. (Author/SL)