Demographic and economic trends indicate that in the future there will be fewer teachers available to teach growing K-12 school enrollments. In addition to this, public education is also experiencing funding shortages. Distance education seems to provide a solution for both of these problems as it offers an equitable way to distribute educational resources, while at the same time making instruction cost-effective. School library media specialists can contribute to developing distance education programs through their roles as instructional consultant, information specialist, teacher, and technological coordinator. They can help to match information resources to course objectives, teaching and learning styles, and subject content to facilitate more creative thinking and critical analysis among students. It is the lack of involvement of individuals, not the course structure, that is the main obstacle to effective distance education programs. The success of a distance education program depends upon the ability of library media specialists to network with teachers, students, administrators, technical experts, and database vendors. An example of a successful program can be seen in the Bay Area (Wisconsin) Public School District. (References and additional readings are provided.) (MAB)