Alternatives for Restructuring
                     The Depository Library Program

                               Preface

     Events of recent years, coupled with many long-standing problems within 
the Depository Library Program (DLP) have necessitated an examination of the 
Program and the various alternatives for its restructuring.  The Depository 
Library Council to the Public Printer explored many of these issues at their 
Fall 1992 advisory meeting. Following that meeting, the assumptions, ideas, 
and suggestions they discussed were compiled into the following document.
 
     While stopping short of making actual recommendations, the Depository 
Library Council presents a number of options that could eventually be 
developed into detailed proposals for restructuring the DLP.  However, before 
that can take place, it is essential that librarians and other interested 
stakeholders in the DLP have an opportunity to comment on these alternatives 
and their potential impact on the Program.
 
     Toward that end, Council urges anyone with an interest in the Depository 
Library Program to review the following document and to provide Council with 
their comments and observations.  In addition, Council urges any group or 
organization that would like to use this report as a basis of discussion for 
restructuring the DLP to feel free to edit or refine the document to suit 
their needs.  If specific recommendations or reports emerge from their 
discussions, Council asks that copies of those documents be made available 
to as wide an audience as possible so that they too, can serve as the basis 
of future discussions.
 
     Comments and suggestions regarding "Alternatives for Restructuring the 
Depository Library Program" should be sent to:

 
          Mr. Jack Sulzer
          Head, General Reference Section
          Pennsylvania State University
          E108 Pattee Library
          University Park  PA   16802