In the January issue of College & Research Libraries, the author began a di
scussion of four profound historical discontinuities-time and space, mind a
nd body, real and virtual, and humans and technology-that are reaching crit
ical thresholds as we enter the twenty-first century. Existing within multi
ple environments-technological, social, and cultural, these discontinuities
are seldom acknowledged, but their influence on the future of our institut
ions is incalculable. An awareness of these discontinuities will assist lib
rarians in (1) creating a new virtual space for libraries as physical space
becomes less important, (2) adapting to states of disembodiment caused by
roles deeply embedded in virtual environments, and (3) developing the new v
alue-added services necessary for survival in the next millennium. In part
II of this discussion, these discontinuities are related to new ways of bei
ng and thinking about the future of librarians and libraries. This article
is followed by responses from Barbara Moran and Laverna Saunders.