The economic importance of the premature deterioration of protective coatings due to microorganism attack has prompted this committee to compile an abstracted, cross-referenced bibliography reviewing the literature since 1947. The discussion includes reecommendations for compiling a t6echnical library on the subject, comments on methods for recognizing microorganism attack, and a brief review of the performance of currently popular preservatives. Information contained in the abstracts provide the point chemist wiht a basis for a critical review of his formulations and guide him in his choice of preservatives.