The United States Department of Education invited leading professionals who work in the library field in federal agencies, universities, associations, and foundations to a meeting in Washington, DC to explore the need for national focus on library research. Each participant suggested a research issue of particular concern to their organization and the challenges involved in supporting research on the topic. Next, the group reviewed past research related to libraries and explored several types of structures that promote quality research, including federally sponsored national research centers, multi-agency national research roundtables, and university-supported research centers. The meeting concluded with recommendations for further action. Five critical issues were revealed which were all linked by information technology: Participants raised questions about the quality of libraries and their future role, and impact on local communities, intellectual property rights and responsibilities, and the difficulties associated with the preservation of digital and printed materials. Each of these issues is discussed, as well as general library research issues. The suggestions for possible next steps and a list of meeting participants are also included. (AEF)