This description of the distinguishing characteristics, criteria, and responsibilities of a true profession provides an analysis of the traits attributed to professional services by society in the hope that librarians will use them to improve the status of their field. Chapters examine the following topics: the meaning of the term profession, intellectual activity, the closely-knit professional organization with an altruistic philosophy, education, standards, code of ethics, service over personal gain, life career, research, continuous professional development, social necessity, recognition by the public, standardized terminology, and characteristics of library work. A list of related publications for librarians is included. (FM)