Apart from specific courses that use electronic communication as a teaching vehicle, the Open University is also setting an ambitious target for providing administrative access to students through computer networking. By 1996, the OU aims to make a wide range of services available on-line: inquiry and information services including on-line registration; induction material, library access, and support services; local call access and Internet connections for all students; and a network support environment package. While these facilities may not be innovative for campus-based universities, providing these systems for as many students spread as widely as OU students is a major undertaking. The benefits are perceived to be increased individual autonomy and control over the learning process, bringing the university to the home to a much greater extent than before, adding flexibility and tailorability to courses, and freeing the OU from the assumption that large student numbers are needed to achieve economies of scale.