An attempt is made to relate technological potentials and limitations to some of the major current trends, problems, and objectives of the library. Attention is focused on the large, university, research-oriented library since it is here that one finds the most difficult resource access and bibliographic control problems. A synopsis is presented of the major studies of the past decade on libraries and technology, followed by a review of some data on library cost trends, rates of library growth, and several related matters, all of which have a variety of direct implications for the use of technology and other alternatives. An analysis is then made of the possibilities for change in the basic apparatus of bibliographic control, and of three widely discussed methods for extending resource availability and reducing the pressure on local collection growth: shared resource systems; microforms and other photocopies, and the facsimile transmission of textual materials. Current applications to libraries of the computer and closely related technologies are surveyed, the study culminating in general conclusions and recommendations. (Author/SL)