This paper provides a means of quickly ascertaining the relative health of smaller academic libraries by presenting a top ten list of vitality indicators. The list is based on an observational convenience sampling of thirty smaller academic libraries across the United States. The indicators making the list were those which appeared most often in the libraries studied, were the easiest to ascertain and are indicators that appear to have the greatest correlation with overall library vitality. The most prevalent indicators discovered are presented in a top ten list to illustrate the relative importance of and commonality of each of the indicators. Applying weighted and scalable numbers to the indicators for each of the libraries in the study helped to define the comparative value of indicators while providing a snapshot of the overall health of smaller academic libraries. The health and by extension direction libraries are taking in an age permeated by technology is a concern in the library profession. This study was only intended to provide a quick means of assessing comparative smaller academic library health and as a means of establishing comparative assessment for the purposes of accreditation. More empirically based research should be referenced or conducted to determine the actual state of health of smaller academic libraries. (Contains 4 charts.)