This paper discusses several of the trends in information handling for text-based storage and retrieval systems that are prevalent in the United States. The paper considers, in particular, specialized information products, cooperative and networking activities, and work on standards. Information products include current awareness abstract bulletins, computer-generated indexes and bibliographies, scientific paper distribution services, special-interest thesauri, newsletters for alerting purposes, microcard and microfilm aperature card distribution services, and on-line access to computer-stored information bases. Most of the cooperative endeavors are alliances among groups having common interests as to function or subject field or both. The growing emphasis on computer processing is accelerating the development of format standards and computer program interchangeability. Concentration on computer processing seems to be obscuring consideration of the quality of the information being processed. Greater use of behavioral science knowledge and methods is suggested in studies of user behavior and information flow and transfer. (Author/NH)