Information is essential to the functioning of society, and there are many exciting opportunities for information professionals in the future. These professionals must be prepared to meet the need for excellence in their field. Information professionals generally fall within one of two categories: those who support the creation and preparation of information and those who assist in using information. There has been a phenomenal growth in the information sector, and the level of librarian employment is also growing. Factors affecting the information profession include the growth of an information hungry population, the information explosion, the increase in usage of libraries, and the growing range of library services. Different career paths in the information profession have also developed, as exemplified by the information scientist and the librarian. Leadership in companies in the next 25 years will come from the information profession, particularly those engaged in information resource management. Librarians must make everyone aware of their true contribution to society and, as professionals, must maintain reasonable expectations of what their careers can bring in terms of position and remuneration. Scholars, researchers, educators, and professionals must all be involved in the continued attempt to achieve excellence in the information profession. (ESR)