Describes and provides examples for six approaches and factors related to serendipity in library research: coincidence; previent grace (i.e., the prior organization of information); synchronicity (i.e., hidden patterns and forces); perseverance; altamirage (i.e., idiosyncratic behaviors); and sagacity (i.e., intuition and skill). The stigma attached to serendipity is considered. (49 references) (MES)