This series includes records related to Living Standards Measurement Study (LSMS). The LSMS was first launched by the Development Research Center (DRC) in 1980. Included in this series are records relating to the LSMS from the DRC as well as those units subsequently responsible for the Survey through 1992. These include: the Development Research Department Living Standards Measurement Unit (DRDLS), 1983 to 1987; the Population and Human Resources Welfare and Human Resources Development Division (PHRWH), 1987 to 1992; and the Population and Human Resources Poverty Analysis and Policy Division (PHRPA), February 1992 to December 1992.

The series includes research files maintained for each country. These records include: background papers, articles, and reports produced by the Bank and outside sources; research proposals; LSMS questionnaires; household and life expectancy raw statistical data sheets; handwritten notes; memoranda and correspondence regarding progress, procedures, and changes in LSMS surveys; back-to office reports; terms of reference; travel expense reports; and budget records. The series consist of additional LSMS research files referred to as World Bank Research Program (RPO) files. These records include research projects related to topics such as education, health care, nutrition, household data, living standards, welfare, and labor. Each RPO project generally includes the following records: correspondence and memoranda regarding project planning, progression, recruitment, and changes; mission reports; back-to-office reports; drafts, revisions, and final project proposals; travel expenses; terms-of-reference; notes; background papers; RPO status reports; administrative expense reports; consultant background and CV records; appointment letters; and Project Completion Reports (PCRs). The research files cover the years 1978 to 1992.

This series also consists of records related to the Working Papers Numbered Series in support of the LSMS surveys from 1980 to 1992. The records include drafts; original copies; published copies; cover negatives; and handwritten notes for LSMS Working Papers 1-59. The Working Papers were used in the preparation of the following World Bank publication: Living standards measurement study: abstracts of working papers.

The series additionally contains records related to the Bank's collaboration with the UN National Household Survey Capability Program (NHSCP), and the UN Statistical Office (UNSO) from 1978 to 1988. The statistical data produced by the LSMS surveys were shared and disseminated to cooperating units through prepared papers and reports, collaborative working groups, and meetings. The records in this series include correspondence from World Bank officials within DRC, DRDLS, and PHRWH to NHSCP and UNSO. The bulk of records contain correspondence and LSMS background reports from DRDLS Head Dennis N. de Tray and DRDLS associate Jacques van der Gaag sent to NHSCP and UNSO officials. Post 1987 records include correspondence from PHRWH Chief Jacques van der Gaag Population and Human Resources (PHR) Director Ann Hamilton sent to NHSCHP and UNSO officials. Also included are records from the UN Statistical Commission Meeting on LSMS held in New York City from February 28 to March 1, 1985. The records from this meeting include: memoranda and correspondence regarding preparation and reporting on the meeting; agenda and meeting minutes from the meeting; back-to-office reports; handwritten notes; LSMS statistical reports and papers prepared by the World Bank for the meeting; and statistical reports prepared by UN units.