Includes general, medical, and foreign periodicals lists, as well as periodical subscription lists and correspondence dating primarily from the first two decades of Library operation. Lists are normally grouped by subject or source, and include the call number. Certain general and medical lists have been sent to periodical subscription jobbers and returned annotated with cost. Other general lists, titled "Periodicals and Publications of Societies in the Newberry Library," include medical periodicals. During the 1890's periodical subscriptions correspondence with the Subscription News Co. and others was handled primarily by W. F. Poole and W. S. Merrill.

Periodicals lists are also included in Record Group 02/01/20, Newberry Library. Board of Trustees. Annual Reports, 1895, 1897, and 1899.