A brief introduction by Frank H. Spaulding, president of the Special Libraries Association, is followed by highlights of the findings of the appointed presidential task force on the value of the information professional and an executive summary of task force activities and reports. In addition, an introduction by Allen B. Veaner provides background information on the value of information and the information professional, including a definition of the problem, a summary of existing work, and a discussion of the task force approaches to the study. These approaches include: measuring time saved; determining actual monetary savings/gains; and providing qualitative, anecdotal evidence of value. The following reports by task force members are also included: (1) "Value of the Information Professional--Cost/Benefit Analysis" (Miriam A. Drake); (2) "The Corporate Librarian--Great Return on Investment" (Helen Manning); (3) "The Value of the Information Professional--The View from the Top" (James M. Matarazzo); (4) "A Case Study in Adding Intellectual Value--The Executive Information Service" (Ann W. Talcott); and (5) "The Impact Approach--Value as Measured by the Benefit of the Information Professional to the Parent Organization" (James B. Tchobanoff). (KM)