The theme of this issue of ELT Documents is the use of the language laboratory in language learning. An article by A. Maley summarizes the conference on the use of the language laboratory for advanced learners, held in Paris, 2-4 Oct. 1974, from which two main perspectives emerged. One is critical of the structuralist audio-lingual assumptions which determined the format of practice materials, the pattern of student response and the design of the language laboratory. Implicit in this stance is the advocacy of communicative goals for language learning. The other perspective is directed more to refining applications of the language laboratory through a diagnosis of operational and pedagogic problems and the development of policies and programs which ensure its more effective exploitation. These two standpoints are illustrated in the following articles. Philip Riley's article explores the implications of the functional approach for the language laboratory; David Harper's article draws attention to the human factors that determine the success of language laboratory instruction; and Robin James' article on alternative audio systems presents alternative resources. Also featured in this issue is a bibliography of children's comics and audiovisual materials for language instruction. (Author/AM)