Before launching any major projects in the international book field, the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress decided to inventory what is currently being done in this area by both government and private agencies. This booklet presents brief descriptions of international book programs conducted by 15 U.S. government agencies and commissions, 2 intergovernmental organizations, and 15 U.S. private organizations. An address and contact person is provided for each institution. Because there is less activity, and especially less U.S. government activity, in the book field than there was 15 years ago, an introductory essay on "The Book Crisis and the Developing World" by John B. Putnam is included to put the inventory into a historical perspective. Putnam also notes problems that interfere with the free flow of technical books to and among developing countries, including foreign exchange restrictions, the inadequacy of promotional and bibliographic tools, delay in delivery, illiteracy, the necessity for translation into local languages, and the high price of books. Appendices describe the activities of two important but defunct organizations: Franklin Book Programs, Inc. (1952-78) and the U.S. Government Advisory Committee on International Book and Library Programs (1962-77). (esr).