A review of the literature indicates that innovations in technology are making it possible for the consumer of information, the end user, to gather his own information online. The information specialist's role is changing from that of a researcher to a trainer and leader in the information gathering process. Reports on end user training indicate varying degrees of success. The results of various training methods including in-person training, user manuals, and computer-assisted instruction, as well as alternatives to training such as transparent systems and simplified systems, all suggest that the best way to teach online searching is to take people by the hand and in an intimate and relaxed setting show them how to search. This utopian view does not fit well with reality. The challenge today and in the future is to train large numbers of end users in a cost-effective way. As a consequence, the explosion in the number of users means that training innovations are a necessity. (Author/DMC)