Periodical literature has a significant place in most research disciplines partly because of its unique packaging and marketing features. Librarians neither influence the amount or format of published information not control the sources of library funding. During the past six years, the sharp reductions in purchasing ability have put producers as well as consumers of information under stress. Various efforts in resource sharing remove the reader yet one more step from the material and can be only part of a solution. Government, academic and professional organizations, and commercial publishers are urged to consider new ways to help libraries improve their vital role in the distribution of scientific literature and information.