This manual describes the methods, procedures, techniques, and activities that were used to produce the Academic Library Survey of 2004 (ALS:2004).This manual is designed to provide guidance and documentation for users of the ALS data. Included in the manual are the following: an overview of the study and its predecessor studies; an account of instrumentation; a summary of the data collection methodology and results, including detailed response rates; a description of data preparation and processing activities; and an overview data file structure and contents. In addition, there are a number of appendices. The ALS: 2004 provides information pertinent to libraries at 3,889 degree-granting postsecondary educational institutions throughout the 50 states, and the District of Columbia.
