Many librarians, academics, professionals and general readers underestimate both the role and nature of alternative literature. These titles are assumed to be few in number and marginal to mainstream concerns. The quantity of titles published each year alone make it a significant part of publishing, but few of these are noted by the mainstream media and fewer still find their way on to the shelves of bookshops and libraries. Yet they are vital to the development of a library's stock.This book therefore serves a number of purposes. It defines alternative literature, explains how it can be used and appreciated, and examines the concerns and nature of such publications. It is often difficult to track down alternative literature, and guidelines are given for identifying and acquiring it from a variety of different types of sources. Networking of all kinds is necessary to keep abreast of the constant stream of new titles and the methods of collection management and access are discussed. To acquire, use and properly exploit alternative literature is an essential part of collection management, often requiring a very different approach to 'standard' book collections. This book will provide all the essential starting points along this road.