The self access language learning center comes into its being with the further development of foreign language teaching and research. It originates from cognitive psychology and humanist psychology. So far, many self access centers have been set up in universities and colleges in the United States and Europe. After an initial discussion of the rationale for self access language learning and learner autonomy, this paper makes an analysis of the major components in constructing a self access center and related issues. Finally the paper discusses the practical need for setting up self access centers in universities and colleges in China and related matters that call for our attention.