Improvements in the technology associated with the information sciences will have their primary potential impact on the distribution of costs, information flow level, information availability, and use among information channels. This improvement implied not only a capability to perform a given function, but a lower cost. For example, the trend towards multi-access computers implies cheaper and more accessible processing. In considering storage costs, microfilm appears the most economically feasible for new information systems, although this presents new problems regarding the number of data banks and accessibility. The expansion of the micropublishing field should result in reduced relative costs, which in turn would mean greater availability. Vertical integration of channels suggest some answers for active subject areas with a high publishing rate and sizable community. The development of low-cost mini-computers has made possible searches by a remote user. Finally, the creation of standard formats and transferable computer programs will allow for tapping other data banks. (Author/AM)