A review of demographic characteristics of the Lewis and Clark region of North Dakota indicated several obstacles to improved library service, including a large number of rural residents, a wide variety of people, and expected large scale development. Review of current library resources in the region showed that outside of Bismarck and Mandan they are uneven and inadequate. As part of this study a mail survey of a sample of households, a survey of users of the 12 libraries, and a survey of students in selected high schools were conducted. Conclusions reached from these surveys included the following: (1) for most persons in the region the library is not a primary information source; (2) the public library is unused by 75% of the people and used intensively by 10%; (3) ages of primary library users are 15-19 and 25-30; (4) educational level and library use are related; (5) professionals, housewives, and students are the most active library users; and (6) traditional library services are those most desired by respondents. Further study of information needs and library use in the area was recommended, along with improved legal and physical library access for all residents of the region and regional planning for cooperative library service. (PF)