This volume is the first of two in a report on a state-of-the-art assessment which was conducted to determine the roles of school, academic, special, and community libraries in creating and/or providing viewtext information services; the information resources now available or expected to be available in the future to a sample of libraries in the United States; and the unique contribution that viewtext can make to providing information to homes or businesses. Included in this volume are an executive summary, a state-of-the-art paper, and three appendices. The summary outlines the rationale for the project, discusses its goals, describes the research carried out, summarizes the results of research activities, and presents 10 general conclusions based on these results. Data collected through a review of the literature and consultation with knowledgeable experts are presented in a context paper and bibliography for use by libraries in assessing their role in providing and delivering viewtext information. The paper and bibliography (Appendix A) focus on seven critical topic areas: the role of the library in an information-based society; legislation and regulations related to viewtext; technical aspects of viewtext; the current status of viewtext information services; current applications of viewtext in libraries; the design, implementation, and maintenance of viewtext in libraries; and the social implications of viewtext and the significance for libraries. Lists of major businesses delivering remote electronic access to delivery of information (READI) and libraries providing viewtext services are also appended. (BBM)