The objective of this study was to collect "baseline" data with which to examine a complex process in the educational system--the selection of educational materials. The first part of the study analyzes the statutes of the fifty states which bear upon selection and purchase of educational materials. The purpose of this analysis is to determine the ways and the extent to which legal requirements constitute impediments to the selection, purchase, and introduction of materials. The second part of the study presents a survey of materials selection procedures in ten states. The states were chosen because they were representative of particular legal patterns of selection, or because they were examples of important but deviant selection procedures. The third part of the study describes the views of a sample of materials producers on the selection process. These views were solicited because it was felt that salesmen and salesmanagers may actually effect the locus of decision making in a system with regard to materials selection. A glossary and a bibliography are appended. (JY)