Arguing that new technologies such as telefacsimile, electronic publishing, and electronic document delivery are altering the processes of communication and the response of libraries to scholars' needs, this paper provides a vision for the future, particularly with regard to the impact of electronic publishing on the traditional roles of academic and research libraries. Several aspects of electronic publishing are described and the characteristics of where, how, and why electronic publishing is emerging are explored from the perspective of political, social, technical, and economic issues. Several examples of electronic publishing proposals or projects are examined--e.g., online information retrieval database services, videotex, optical disks, direct broadcast satellites (DBS), electronic document delivery (EDD), electronic mail systems, and the electronic journal--and the impact of electronic publishing on libraries is discussed. An examination of the benefits that may be accrued from the changes taking place in the process of scholarly communication concludes the report. It is suggested that the three partners in the process of scholarly communication--the library, publishing, and the academic community--must realize the opportunities and responsibilities inherent in the emergence of this new technology. (12 references) (MAB)