This report presents the results of a management study of audio playback equipment operations conducted by the National Library Service, Library of Congress, its associated network of state and local machine lending agencies (MLA), and other parties that play a role in current operations. The objectives were to document current operations, identify problems, and recommend possible solutions that would mitigate or eliminate the identified problems. In addition to audio playback machine operations, this study focused on cassette book machine operations. The background to the study, objectives, constraints imposed on performance, and the methodology used are detailed in section 1. Section 2 contains a summary of current operations; a profile of organizations and functions; and descriptions of automation in current operations. Section 3 identifies findings, and section 4 discusses inventory management and other recommendations. Sections 5, 6, and 7 cover decentralized, regionalized, and centralized repair options. A cost benefit analysis of the three repair option scenarios is discussed in Section 8. Two addendums contain a profile of the typical MLA and a disposal audit. A list of acronyms and abbreviations is also provided. Detailed statistical and narrative information supporting the eight sections is shown in 50 exhibits and 77 appendices. (AEF)