Developed on the premise that all types of libraries have a common set of functions, purposes, and resources which outweigh their differences in setting, size, and organizational goals, this preliminary edition is intended to (1) provide an informed basis for library management and planning, (2) facilitate communications among libraries, and (3) forward a common language and framework for external reporting. It supplies a language and structure with which to organize data and concepts about the library, and constructs a formula by which to transmit comparable and consistent information. Managers, boards of trustees, and other library decision makers are given guidance in identifying items of information from which to obtain factual and comparative data for developing policies and decisions; for communication with constituencies, legislative bodies, and governing organizations; and for fulfilling the information requests of outside agencies. In addition, the basis for translating data from internal systems to external communications systems is provided. A glossary includes definitions for categories which the library manager may wish to select as part of internal management systems, thus furnishing a foundation for information exchange which may help to ensure compatibility among data collected at various levels by various organizations. (FM)