On the other hand, it's a very exciting time to be a librarian, especially in academic settings, where much of the digital action is happening. Internet 2 opens the doors to research in using such tools as real-time dynamic visualization to support information retrieval, or multicasting for user interaction through audio and video. Remote learning is on the increase, and is obviously well served by organized and structured libraries that are equally oblivious to physical location. Tools that promote interoperability, such as the Z39.50,(n16) as well as work on interoperability of metadata,(n17) point to a future where it will be commonplace to use more than one library or digital library at a time (and the distinction between the two will be unimportant to users). So fasten your digital seatbelts and keep both hands on the wheel, because it's going to be an interesting ride--not one to sit back and relax on, lots of curves and falling rocks, but a spectacular view at the next rest area (and there is no end).