This manual is designed primarily as a guide for libraries undertaking a formal study of preservation needs as a foundation for planning programs to meet those needs. Based on the "assisted self-study approach" process, it presupposes a library staff large enough to permit the assignment of about two dozen people for an average of 5 or 6 hours per week for a 2- or 3-month period, with a smaller team coordinating the study over 4 to 6 months; however, the methodology is also suitable for independent use and may be adapted by smaller libraries. Members of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) Preservation Planning Program Advisory Committee and participants in the 1981 Preservation Planning Program Pilot Test are listed and the following aspects of the planning program are discussed: (1) Introduction to the Preservation Planning Program; (2) Preparation for the Planning Study; (3) Phase I--Establishing the Study Framework; (4) Phase I Continues--Background Paper and Phase II Plans; (5) Phase II--Task Force A, Environmental Conditions; (6) Phase II--Task Force B, Physical Condition of the Collections; (7) Phase II--Task Force C, Organization; (8) Phase II--Task Force D, Disaster Control; (9) Phase II--Task Force E, Preservation Resources; (10) Phase II--Task Force F, Staff and User Education; (11) Phase II--Task Force G, Interinstitutional Cooperation; and (12) Phase III--Planning for Preservation. (KM)