This paper examines the use of digital resources by academic staff in a single UK University and its influence on academic practice over a two to three year period. The paper describes two linked studies that address several of the themes regarding the impact of electronic resources identified in this special edition. In particular it provides findings that contribute to our understanding of changing roles and practices in academic teaching (Oliver this edition). The themes explored in this paper include the way disciplinary differences affect the use of digital resources, and how academic progression is understood by academic staff in different disciplines, and its role in informing staff choices in deploying digital resources for student use. The paper also addresses the issue of changing academic practice and the adoption life cycle in relation to use of digital resources. (Contains 1 table.)