The goals and guiding principles of the Maryland State Library Network are defined by the State Library Network Planning and Resource Sharing Task Force. The following goals are asserted: (1) state residents will have improved access to the state's information resources through the work of a State Library Network Coordinating Council; (2) residents will be able to identify, locate, and request the information, materials, and services they need and will be eligible to use library services throughout the state; (3) residents will receive the materials, information, and services they need in a timely and efficient manner; and (4) state residents will have improved access to resources and information through use of new information technologies. These goals are to be implemented in light of the general situation of the state, the financial situation, the state of information technology, and the political situation. Specific objectives are listed in table form for each of the four goals. To clarify the context for resource sharing and automation, background information is provided on the state library network. (SLD)