Serials Currently Received by the National Agricultural Library, a Keyword Index

The Serials Currently Received by the National Agricultural Library, a Keyword Index was compiled by the staff of the United States National Agricultural Library (NAL) to assist researchers, librarians, and agricultural scientists in navigating the institution's vast collection of periodicals. As one of the world's foremost agricultural information centers, the NAL faced the challenge of tracking thousands of global serial publications, prompting the development of this index as a practical tool for systematic information retrieval.

The publication reflects the transition toward standardized bibliographic control within federal library systems during the late 20th century. Designed primarily for utility, the keyword indexing format allowed users to locate titles through thematic descriptors rather than relying solely on formal titles or issuing organizations. It was received by the academic and agricultural communities as a functional reference work, valued for its ability to bridge the gap between specialized scientific literature and the researchers needing access to it.