The 28 essays in this collection provide an overview of research in library/information science (LIS), present a practical context of such research, and consider related issues and concerns. The essays are: (1) "The Elusive Nature of Research in LIS" (Peter Hernon); (2) "Guides to Conducting Research in Library and Information Science" (Ronald R. Powell); (3) "Impact of 'National Research Agendas' on LIS Research" (Charles Curran); (4) "The Role of the U.S. Department of Education in Library and Information Science Research" (Anne J. Mathews); (5) "International Aspects of LIS Research" (Michael K. Buckland and John N. Gathegi); (6) "The Role of Research in the Development of a Profession or a Discipline" (Mary Biggs); (7) "Assessing the Quantity, Quality, and Impact of LIS Research" (Nancy A. Van House); (8) "The Cross-Disciplinary Imperative of LIS Research" (Robert Grover and Roger C. Greer); (9) "Whither LIS Research: Ideology, Funding, and Educational Standards" (Ellen Altman); (10) "Library/Information Science Education: The Research Ethos" (Evelyn H. Daniel); (11) "The Role of LIS Education" (Cheryl Duran); (12) "The Role of the Library Administrator in Improving LIS Research" (Joe A. Hewitt); (13) "The Role of Practicing LIS Professionals" (Irene B. Hoadley); (14) "The Role of Professional Associations" (Julie A. C. Virgo); (15) "The Role of Editors and Editorial Boards in Journal Publishing" (Dorothy L. Steffens and Jane B. Robbins); (16) "The Secret Science: The Role of Consulting and LIS Research" (Douglas L. Zweizig); (17) "The Role of Private Funding Agencies" (Peter R. Young); (18) "The Role of Networks and Consortia in Library Research" (Michael Koenig); (19) "The Role of the Information Industry" (Candy Schwartz); (20) "Communicating Applied Library/Information Science Research to Decision Makers: Some Methodological Considerations" (Charles R. McClure); (21) "Opportunities and Challenges for LIS Research in Academic Libraries: Elements of Strategy" (Charles T. Townley); (22) "Research Needs in Public Librarianship" (Joan C. Durrance); (23) "Research Needs and Issues in School Librarianship" (Shirley Fitzgibbons and Daniel Callison); (24) "Research Needs and Issues in Special Librarianship" (James M. Matarazzo); (25) "Research Needs and Issues in State Librarianship" (Robert E. Dugan and Jane Ouderkirk); (26) "Paradigmatic Shift in Library and Information Science" (Martha L. Hale); (27) "Becoming Critical: For a Theory of Purpose and Necessity in American Librarianship" (Michael H. Harris and Masaru Itoga); and (28) "Research, Theory, and the Practice of LIS" (Beverly P. Lynch). Information on the contributors and author and subject indexes are included. (MAB)