The development of automated information services in academic libraries and the growth of AUSINET (Australian Information Network) are described. The current organization of online services and their integration into the pattern of user assistance are noted, and the effects on the user/librarian relationship, on the use of primary and secondary sources, on interlibrary lending, and on the allocation of staff and financial resources are considered. Future effects are projected to be wider and more significant than those already observed. (Author)