This study investigates whether or not it is possible for communities to combine school and public libraries. It concerns itself with identifying the conditions and circumstances which appear to be most conducive to combining school and public libraries, and also with identifying certain strengths, benefits, weaknesses, and limitations of combined libraries. A survey questionnaire was sent to 94 libraries throughout the U.S. to secure information. Fifty-five libraries confirmed their status as combined facilities, and provided the data for the study. It was concluded that: (1) it is possible for school and public libraries to combine under certain circumstances; (2) communities with less than 10,000 residents which are in need of public and school facilities can provide optimum conditions for the development of combined facilities; (3) twenty-three different benefits were identified by residents among which were: better selection of materials, making library service available for the first time, elimination of duplication of materials, availability of multi-media programs and services, better school-community relationships; (4) some weaknesses were identified, including failure of the board to define areas of responsibility and lack of coordinated leadership of governing boards. Brief descriptions of 14 exemplary programs and a "Directory of Combined Public/School Libraries in the United States" are also included. (Author/AP)