The role of higher education in society has changed dramatically in recent years and is likely to continue to change. There will be an increased need for more learning for more people for more years of their lives. There will also be an increase in the number and types of organizations providing education and the development of a worldwide perspective on lifelong learning. Among the ways in which the role of colleges and universities is changing under the impact of the "learning society" are: (1) higher education no longer enjoys a monopoly on the provision of educational services; (2) the roles of educational providers are increasingly blurred, e.g., the distinctions between education and training and between credit and non-credit courses are difficult to maintain; (3) higher education no longer has the full-time commitment of students or of faculty; (4) learning has become a lifelong necessity for almost everyone since there is a constant need for upgrading of skills and knowledge; and (5) a major revolution involving the creation, processing, and distribution of information is taking place in society. These changes will necessitate sharing and cooperation in education; will increase competition among providers of credentials; and will require acceptance of learning as a lifelong process. If educators can adapt to these changes they will have more control over the type and directions of change. (HB)