Serials represent the single most important vehicle for global scholarly communication. Thanks to rising subscription costs and volatile publishing patterns, their acquisition and management present substantial challenges to librarians, particularly in developing countries without a national bibliographic agency or widespread library education.

Geared toward non-specialists and beginners, this handbook presents the best practice methods in all areas of serials management: definitions, acquisition, bibliographic control, conservation and preservation, access, standards, and education and training.

The text concentrates on aspects that can be performed in a non-automated environment with a concluding chapter devoted to paths of future development, including small-scale automation and the use of CD-ROM. A final series of seven annexes provide model forms, rules and standards, listings of relevant international bodies, and other resources to assist librarians in their daily work. (IFLA Publication. Vol. 77)