The purpose of the study of the literature on which this report is based was to examine those problems in the field of documentation and in the operation of information systems which could possibly be solved or alleviated by some greater measure of cooperation, convertibility, or compatibility among systems, particularly those systems for handling scientific and technical information supported in whole or in part by the United States Government. The material covered in this report represents primarily information from a selective survey of the literature published through December 1963. In a few instances, however, pertinent material published later has also bee n included. An account is given of early developments and general background information about organizations active in cooperative documentation efforts. Current cooperative activities are then discussed in terms of dissemination and publication of secondary sources, acquisition and exchange of publications, analysis and identification, systematization and terminology control, storage and search, and standardization. General problems and special problems raised by the prospects for mechanization are then discussed. A final section raises questions with regard to the implications for future progress. Appended is a list of references cited and selected bibliography of 660 items. (Author/JB)