Library directors at 164 universities, colleges, and community colleges in California were surveyed in fall 1986 on their hiring of temporary librarians over 5 fiscal years, 1982-83 through 1986-87. The response rate was 90%. Results indicated that: (1) all types of academic libraries employ temporary librarians; (2) the number of temporary librarians is either holding steady or increasing, depending on the type of academic library; (3) the reasons for hiring temporary librarians differ depending on the type of academic library; and (4) most temporary librarians fill reference positions. This paper details the survey results, compares these figures to the national temporary marketplace, and comments on the impact of this personnel trend on library service. Graphs present data on the number of temporary librarians by type of library, percent of temporary librarians on staff by type of library, and types of positions filled by temporaries. (17 references) (Author/MES)