diff --git a/README.md b/README.md
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..34c6b98
--- /dev/null
+++ b/README.md
@@ -0,0 +1,26 @@
+# jndn-management
+
+This project is a consists of tools for managing an NDN forwarding daemon (NFD). It relies on the [NDN Protocol](https://named-data.net) and its associated [client library](https://github.com/named-data/jndn). It implements the NFD management pecification outlined at http://redmine.named-data.net/projects/nfd/wiki/Management.
+
+## Install
+With Maven, add the following to your POM:
+```
+<dependency>
+  <groupId>com.intel.jndn.management</groupId>
+	<artifactId>jndn-management</artifactId>
+	<version>RELEASE</version> <!-- or a specific version -->
+</dependency>
+```
+
+## Use
+With a Face that has command signing information set, call any of the following static methods:
+ - __NFD.pingLocal(Face forwarder)__: ping a local NFD with /localhost/nfd to verify if it exists.
+ - __NFD.getFaceList(Face forwarder)__: retrieve all connected faces.
+ - __NFD.getFibList(Face forwarder)__: retrieve all forwarding entries in the Forwarding Information Base (FIB).
+ - __NFD.getRibList(Face forwarder)__: retrieve all routing entries in the Routing Information Base (RIB).
+ - __NFD.createFace(Face forwarder, String uri)__: create a new face on the NFD opened to the given URI.
+ - __NFD.register(Face forwarder, ...): includes several similar methods for registering a new route on the NFD.
+ - __NFD.unregister(Face forwarder, Name route): unregister a route by name.
+ 
+ ## License
+ This library is licensed under LGPLv3, see LICENSE.