This SPEC kit is based on a June 1987 survey of approval plan use by 94 members of the Association of Research Libraries. It reports on the current practices of these libraries, the perceived advantages and disadvantages of using approval plans, and the effect of increased library materials costs and library automation on such plans. It is noted that the survey responses suggest that the main concern for many librarians has shifted from the soundness of the basic premise of approval plans, to defining precisely which areas of acquisitions are best suited for approval plans, and developing effective approval plan policies and procedures in those areas. In addition to the complete survey instrument and a summary of the survey results, this kit contains examples of questions and criteria for evaluating vendors from the University of Oregon and the University of Waterloo (Ontario); examples of profiles, descriptions, and guidelines from the Library of Congress, University of North Carolina, Arizona State University, New York Public Library, and University of Texas; and examples of processing procedures and review of approval receipts from Arizona State University, Indiana University, and the University of Washington. (6 references) (EW)