Research on nonprofessional personnel in special libraries is reviewed with particular emphasis on the emerging paraprofessional--library technical assistant (LTA)--category, and conclusions are drawn from relevant research on paraprofessionals in other human service fields which may have implications of importance to special librarians. While research on LTA graduates has been limited, some data have been gathered but more is needed on the value of LTA training in job effectiveness, the levels of responsibility given to LTAs, possible competition for professional positions, and the role of the LTA in the special library environment. There is growing nterest in the nonprofessional as a component of special library manpower and this interest is reflected in recent library manpower studies. Almost every aspect of nonprofessional personnel in special libraries needs adequate research, but two areas in particular call for prompt and careful attention: (1) the collection of personnel statistics, and (2) careful consideration of goals and definitions of the professional role. (Author/SJ)