Purpose: This article aims to look into a review of library provision in higher education, which was originally set up in 1992 by The Funding Councils of England, Scotland and Wales, and the Department of Education for Northern Ireland. Design/methodology/approach: The review group was structured into three sub-committees, under the umbrella of the main review committee. The responsibilities of these sub-committees were respectively: funding and resources; the management of libraries; and information technology (IT). Findings: The report supported the need for: the electronic delivery of documents over networks; the electronic availability of teaching materials for students; the opportunities for resource sharing and practical co-operation; and an integrated approach to information access and delivery in a complex environment. Funding was also made available to help supply these findings. Originality/value: It was intended that the programme should raise awareness, encourage use of networked services, and ensure that those working in libraries can provide appropriate training and support of users.