The process described in this manual is designed to help small academic libraries systematically study the use of their circulating book collections. Originally developed in 1980, the manual has been used successfully in several small college libraries, both with and without assistance from outside consultants. In most cases, the study can be completed within 3 to 6 months with a comparatively small investment in staff training and supervision. After the preliminary steps of reviewing relevant information and deciding that the study should be conducted, the process consists of these stages: (1) deciding whether the library can carry out the study methodology on its own or if it requires assistance from other campus or external sources; (2) selecting the faculty and staff advisory group; (3) deciding on the appropriate data collection method; (4) training the data collectors; (5) collecting the data; (6) compiling, analyzing, and interpreting the data; (7) reviewing the results with the advisory group and other faculty and staff members; (8) developing recommendations for applying the results; and (9) implementing the resulting recommendations. A case study of the Lake Forest College survey experience, a four-page, selective bibliography, and a data collection and analysis guide with the necessary forms and sample data analyses are included. (THC)