This text describes the British Library's "Initiatives for Access" programme which has explored the application of digital and networking technologies for the storage, retrieval, display and transmission of information. The programme has created demonstrator projects, a number of which are now live services, including "Inside" (a current awareness and document delivery system), the "Patent Express Jukebox" "Electronic Beowulf" and the British Library Online Information Service. It has also contributed to the development of several award-winning multimedia CD-ROMs based on the Library's collections. This book provides a detailed account of the projects through individual case studies, with introductory and linking text which draws together technical standards and service issues. It also looks at the likely needs of a future information environment.