This paper describes how librarians at the University of Oklahoma reviewed the state of the art of automated systems for libraries, evaluated current sophisticated and comprehensive programs, considered the implications of such systems for closing the card catalog, and assessed the impact which the total system would have on the university libraries. Project activities reported include (1) the examination and evaluation of various existing automated circulation systems, (2) a study of methods and costs of shelflist conversion, (3) the development of a non-conventional access scheme for the library's resources, and (4) the identification of future impacts of an automated circulation system on library operations. The study focused on the evaluation of automated circulation systems as a foundation for developing a larger system. References are included, as well as forms listing the library's circulation requirements that were used in comparing systems. (SW)