While it is theoretically possible to exploit individualized instruction in the language laboratory, in practice this rarely happens. This article suggests transforming the language laboratory into a tape library, in order to achieve self-paced, individualized use of the lab. This solution is preferable to the traditional laboratory use from the financial and the pedagogical points of view; it is more economical and instructionally more flexible. But perhaps the most important contribution of the library is the resulting shift in emphasis from language teaching to language learning. (AM)