This report reviews the eight-month process of planning for library automation undertaken by the Cleveland State University libraries late in 1984. Following an overview of the planning process, a listing of goals is presented, and six documents developed as a result of the process are provided. "Review of Current Systems" includes descriptions, statistics, and flow charts for the functions of collection development/acquisitions; cataloging; serials check-in and binding; accessing bibliographic and holdings information; circulation; and the special areas of archives, art, audio/music, CurrMats, and films. "User Needs," a description of the development, administration, and analysis of a questionnaire designed to ensure that the needs of the users would be met for access and other services, also includes preliminary report statistics, the user questionnaire, cover letters, and related correspondence. "Specifications for Online Systems" delineates general requirements; system requirements; and requirements for database preparation, acquisitions, cataloging, serials, an online public access catalog, and circulation. In addition, "Interfaces" provides a brief outline of issues requiring attention before a request for proposal is prepared; "Retrospective Conversion" summarizes the work of the Retrospective Conversion Task Force; and "Priorities" describes the library's strategy for implementing an online system. A glossary and a 23-item bibliography are also provided. (KM)