The definition, role, and functions of "library" are changing. The National Library of Education (NLE) is in transition from a traditional library to a virtual library encompassing "one stop [any stop] shopping" through conventional and digital means. To adequately plan for the transition, the customer and potential customers of NLE must be studied before technology based systems are installed. Challenges and technological changes of the transition will include: customer interfaces, organization and networking to facilitate access, amalgamation of existing components, recruiting external participants, maintaining quality services, and full text availability. An agenda for the technology-related aspects of the planning process includes: creation of a national union catalog of educational resources; development of metadata formats to serve as platforms for searchable databases; establishing methods and standards for operating multiple distributed collections as one; development of standards for delivery of full text and non-print materials; creation of a workable structure for digital copyright and protection of intellectual property rights; and development of safeguards for system security and individual privacy. Potential pitfalls in the planning process are delineated with suggestions for alleviating them. Topics include: quality of materials; scope and comprehensiveness of resources; copyright and other restrictions to the use of the materials; transition from current procedures to new protocols; cost to the users; the handling of multiple media formats; providing assistance to users; and internal agendas of participating organizations. (Contains 23 references.) (Author/SWC)