There are four methods of acquiring periodicals. These are:

(a) By subscription: In this method of acquisition, periodicals are subscribed directly from the publisher or vendors. The subscription amount is paid in advance (annually) to the publisher or vendor for a particular title, following which, the library receives the periodical. 

(b) As a member of societies and institutions: The societies and institutions send their periodicals free of cost, once a library becomes their member. 

(c) By gift: A number of organisations send their periodicals free of cost to libraries. Hence, if a library wishes to acquire such journals then the publishing organizations are to be requested to enrol the receiving libraries on their mailing list. This enables the libraries to receive desired periodicals as gifts. 

(d) By exchange: Acquiring periodicals by exchange is a method in which two organisations exchange their periodicals and other publications with each other.