Libraries offer a variety of services and play an assortment of roles. While few people disagree that libraries have been valuable institutions in the past, many wonder how necessary they will be in the future. Shrinking budgets make it harder for libraries to contradict these perceptions. This report examines the social and economic impact that libraries have made in the past and how they can continue to contribute in this age of information and network technology. There are numerous ways for Texas libraries to be vital information providers in the 21st Century, but all of them require more funding. To attract more funding, libraries need to change their image, update their services, and demonstrate more vividly the value they add to print and digital information. In turn, to ensure the successful continuation of valuable information services, governments, private contributors, and the general public need to recognize and reward libraries that further education, equitable access to information, economic activities, and community service. The report consists of 5 sections: (1) Libraries--historical summary and social and economic impact of libraries; (2) The Information Age; (3) Library Roles in the Information Age; (4) Funding--public funding, entrepreneurs, and free versus fee; and (5) Recommendations and Conclusion. (SWC)