This longitudinal study concerns the impact of information technology developments on the information handling techniques of laboratory and clinical scientists from the perspective of perceived value or benefit based on subjective evaluation by users. The project's main method of data collection is the semi-structured interview utilising samples from various categories of Imperial Cancer Research Fund staff plus a composite external comparison group. This method is complemented by analyses of library records (particularly statistics of database usage and requests relating to document supply) and, where possible, indications of usage of molecular biology databanks, electronic mail and remote login facilities (to provide further background to the degree of electronic activity of users).