The aim of the dissertation is to investigate the psychological and sociological effects of transformative change on those who both drive, and are driven by that change. The dissertation is qualitatively based, as much of the research will centre on the 'soft-systems' (Checkland, 1981) which underpin any move towards a technological solution in an existing situation. The literature review examines existing research in this area, and this informs the direction of the dissertation. This will be relevant to practitioners within Higher Education, as the move towards the virtualisation of library services is likely to increase as pressure on institutions grows to offer increased access to services, without an increase in staffing levels. 'Virtualisation' in this sense can be defined as 'the creation of a product, service, or organisation that has an electronic, rather than a physical existance' (BNET.com). The final dissertation report focuses on the 'human centred' issues that have arisen during the period of the research, recommendations for others undertaking a similar process, and suggestions for further research. The events outlined in the dissertation resulted in the complete virtualisation of the LIS service, in that all of the LIS staff were made redundant, with the service to be offered through an online electronic repository, which has yet to be constructed.