Recent years have seen a shift in educational institutions from the provision of traditional libraries to the creation of independent learning areas offering a greater diversity of facilities and services. This paper explores the essential characteristics of these places, especially in relation to student learning. The authors discuss six particular issues--the provision of space, services and resources; learners' interaction with information; interaction among learners; learners' interaction with staff; management decision making; and opportunities for research. The paper notes the value of independent learning areas in fostering open learning and individual and collaborative work, in establishing a unity among students and in helping users to resolve a diversity of life situations. Nevertheless, they also present challenges, and difficult management decisions must be made.