The Delphi technique has been used to systematically map the opinions on research needs of Swedish librarians. The study shows that what is considered relevant research is dependent on what kind of library operation the respondent works in. The highest priority is accorded to factors affecting strategic development, followed by the changing roles of libraries in their communities and the impact of library programmes on learning and transferable skills, but the results vary greatly between groups. The study is now an important foundation for the formulation of research questions and enhanced cooperation. The report plays an important role in those areas, but is also methodologically interesting as it gives a good description of how the Delphi technique can be used and of its constituent stages.