This ninth annual report of the South Carolina State Library covers the fiscal period July 1, 1977-June 30, 1978. Included are a list of the board members and professional staff, an organizational chart, descriptions of the objectives and responsibilities of the various parts of the library, and public library statistics for libraries, librarians, bookstock, circulation, population, and income which summarize developments from 1943-78. The major part of the report is devoted to descriptions of activities and achievements in the various library areas, such as reader services and field services. Statistical data concerning library construction expenditures, interlibrary loan requests, public library bookstock circulation and support (by county), state expenditures, and federal expenditures are provided at the end, as well as the names and addresses of library board chairmen. (JD)