This paper provides a discussion of various definitions of retrospective bibliography; a comparison of retrospective and current national bibliographies, both in countries with an established publishing tradition and in developing countries; a brief examination of the development of retrospective bibliographies from current national bibliographies; and remarks on retrospective bibliography in the context of proposed activities of the Section on Bibliography of the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA). The production of retrospective bibliographies by gathering of documents or compilation from other bibliographies is examined, as well as the various options for content, arrangement, and method of production. The formation of a small informal working group to produce guidelines for compilers of retrospective bibliographies is recommended, and two questionnaires to be used for obtaining data on retrospective bibliographies by country are provided. (ESR)