Abstract
Every major technology leap in the information industry has been accompanied by the expectation that it would profoundly alter the fundamental processes of research creation and consumption. A pattern can be detected in such shifts indicating that while the participants in the process may be forced to change their behaviour, the end result may not be all that different. The evolutionary process of the information industry involves development through three distinct phases. We are still some way off the third and final phase of the current evolution, and as we approach it many industry participants will be forced to re-think their roles if they are to continue to add value.