The events that have caused change in the work of serials librarians in Australia in the last ten years are: (1) the extensive use of computers in libraries, (2) the introduction of AACR2, (3) the establishment of the International Serials Data System, (4) the rise and fall of budgets with consequent effects on serial subscriptions and binding, (5) the increasing unpredictability of arrival of serials from overseas and (6) the establishment of the Australian Bibliographic Network. The effects of these events are discussed, and the prediction made that the advent of online total library management systems will be the challenge of the next decade.