The purpose of this three-year research project, begun in the summer of 1967, is to provide information on the manpower requirements of the library and information professions in order to assist in the solution of problems relating to the selection, recruitment, training, and utilization of personnel in these changing fields. This report on the first phase covers project history, current status of major investigations, advisory board activities, roles of sponsoring agencies, and dissemination activities. The research program is interdisciplinary and emphasizes changing requirements of the fields. Research projects described are: (1) "Education, Careers, and Professionalism in Library and Information Science," (2) "The Librarian's Role in a Changing Organization," (3) "Leadership for Change," (4) "Image and Status of the Library and Information Service Field," (5) "Personality and Ability Patterns of Librarians and Information Service Workers Related to Work Roles and Work Settings," and (6) "Toward a Policy for Manpower Development in the Information Professions." Professional activities of the principal investigators are summarized, and plans for the second phase are discussed. Appended are issues, numbers one and two of the project newsletter, with an annotated bibliography of 34 items on library manpower research and surveys included in the first issue and an annotated bibliography of 137 items on professions and professionalism included in the second issue. (JB)