Steven Harnad (in Okerson and O'Donnell, 1995, p. 90) observed: ``For scholars and scientists, paper is not an end but a means. It has served us well for several millennia, but it would have been surprising indeed if this manmade medium had turned out to be optimal for all time.''
This paper is a first look at how the information infrastructure for economists will change with the Internet. Since the birth of our profession, most of our interaction has taken place through the exchange of paper, but that era is ending. While some changes to an electronic world might be long in coming, and while there may be some confusion along the way, the ultimate outcome will be exciting and generate many benefits. From working papers to journals to teaching to data, the ultimate changes will be profound--a new era of easy and open access to the information that lies at the heart of what we do. As a guiding light, it will be wise to keep the key academic principle of the freest possible access to information in mind. During this period of technological change, there will be many opportunities for innovative and enterprising individuals and institutions--all that remains is for them to grab the brass ring.