This sourcebook offers training and technical assistance materials for use in planning rural economic development strategies. It is intended that this book be used by public officials, community leaders, and rural development practitioners who are concerned with strengthening the economics of small towns and rural areas throughout the United States. The material was gathered via letters, telephone interviews, and database searches by professionals in universities, national associations research centers, extension offices, consulting firms, and state governments. More than 500 items are cataloged, including manuals, reports, articles, pamphlets, periodicals, directories, bibliographies, monographs, slides, and descriptions of audiovisual materials. The materials generally have a strong "how to" component and are placed into one of three categories: organizing and planning for economic development; alternative economic development strategies; and economic development tools and techniques. Each of the chapters devoted to the three categories includes a summary of the findings and materials presented. Under the three broad categories, the source book is organized into smaller sections covering such topics as: the role and organization of a local development organization; recruitment of business and industry; small businesses; financial management (for local governments); and downtown revitalization and historic preservation. Sources are given for all materials and 1986 costs are given for many. The sourcebook includes a list of periodicals. All materials are indexed by title and author, and all are cross-referenced by subject term. (TES)