Developed through a joint effort of the Oklahoma Library Association (OLA) and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries (ODL), this planning approach to library development is designed to lead a public library through the developmental process and identify a series of actions that will direct it toward planning for excellence. Introductory material includes a listing of members of the OLA/ODL Public Libraries Standards Committee, the 1983 OLA/ODL Public Libraries Standards Committee charge, and a discussion of background and philosophy. Broad levels of library development are identified as the definition of a public library, meeting requirements of rules and regulations for state aid, establishing performance measures, meeting performance standards, and developing role statements and long-range plans; and various components of each level are discussed. Finally, recommendations are presented for establishing a public library accreditation program, funding the implementation of "Levels of Library Development," organizing a legislative program to secure an increase in state aid appropriations for funding public libraries, and revising administrative procedures. Tables include a form for summarizing local library performance measures and a listing of performance standards by population size served, and a flowchart illustrates levels of funding for "Levels of Library Development." A glossary and bibliography are provided. (KM)