The university librarian at Columbia University discusses the need for a national cooperative strategy for research libraries in the network environment. The advent of widespread computer technology and the impact on research libraries is described. (MP)

Usually the impact of technology is felt first in terms of the devices we use; then in terms of people and man-machine relationships. The next impact tends to be on the support systems and procedures associated with the man-machine relationships; and lastly the related goals and values of the total effort tend to change. The impact of technology…