Computer applications are the most recent advance in the manmachine relationship in agriculture. In the past decade, these applications have grown phenomenally, especially in the areas of research, development, and experimentation. The use of the computer has led to a corresponding growth in the publication of literature reporting findings of research accomplished. Attempts to control this literature through secondary services are discussed. A brief history of influences determining the output of agricultural economics literature is presented, and early efforts to establish bibliographic control over these publications are reviewed. More recently, however, publication of research findings has far exceeded attempts over their control, and this has become a problem. Results of much research are not reaching potential users. Thus, it becomes increasingly difficult to justify funding of projects that do not find practical application. This problem may partially be overcome by supporting efforts to provide secondary services. Ultimately, it will require greater attention to and funding for computerized bibliographic control of literature.