A number of important factors require Stanford University to review the progress and future implications of technological innovations in the library for the community of scholars which it serves. These factors include: The general economic climate of the University in 1971 and in the immediate years ahead; The problem of future funding of the automation project; and, Hardware constraints and costs of computer application. After four years of extensive developmental work, library automation has reached a critical juncture. Over the next several months the Stanford community needs to consider the role of library automation in the future of the University. Hopefully this working paper will facilitate the decision on whether and how to continue library automation at Stanford. (Author/SJ)