Special groups are defined in this book as "groups that are a minority of the general population that, for one reason or another, do not share equally in the social, economic, educational, and political opportunities offered by this great nation." Thus, an attempt is made here to find out what library and information services have been provided for and are needed by such groups. There are chapters on: the American Indian, with his need for a greater decision-making role in Indian library programs; Appalachian whites, who have a long cultural heritage but a low literacy rate; black academic libraries, with a comparison of these with nonblack academic libraries; black studies and the role of librarians in the development of black studies collections; library service to prisoners, with their requirements for library materials relevant to their special needs; and Mexican Americans, who particularly wish to participate in the development and administration of their communities' library programs. All chapters have extensive bibliographies, some annotated. (LS)