The primary objective of the National Serials Data Program is the design and implementation of a national serials information system. The goals of this system are the provisions of timely, accurate, and comprehensive information about serial publications within a framework of quantitative efficiency and agreed upon cost effectiveness. The intent of the program is the creation of a mechanized data base which would encompass all the world's serial literature without regard to subject or disciplinary classification. The data base would contain information relating to the description and location of all serials in order to increase the bibliographical and physical accessibility to serials. The three national libraries accepted the responsibility for implementing the first phase of the Serials Data Program. The Library of Congress was the executive agent for this project, and its Information Systems Office had the responsibility for project direction. The Joint Committee on the Union List of Serials acted in an advisory capacity. This document reports upon phase I of the project including results of a user survey and alternatives to the proposed system. (A related document is ED 063 009.) (Author/SJ)