Summary of the Federal Government Library Survey Report.

Utilizing questionnaires, interviews, observations and the study of documents, four survey teams studied 193 federal libraries in Canada, excluding prison, hospital, and diplomatic post libraries. The four teams, consisting of government and nongovernment personnel, covered four topics: library organization and administration, staffing, collections, and services and systems. While many points of excellence were found, it was concluded that the quality of federal library services is uneven, new technology in not being utilized adequately, and there is a lack of coordination and communication between these libraries. In its 157 recommendations, the survey put forward a three-level plan to upgrade the system, including recommendations for improving the operating procedures of the individual libraries and proposals for a coordinated interdepartmental network of library and information services. Data on staffing in these libraries and the survey questionnaire responses are appended. (SL)