Reports the preliminary results of a questionnaire survey, undertaken as part of the Continuing Vocational Education funded ‘Library Support for Distance Learners’ initiative at the George Edwards Library (GEL), University of Surrey. The study aims were: to identify the information needs and resource requirements of the University’s distance learners; to design a range of new or modified library services to address these needs; to assess the resource implications of the proposed library and information services; and to enable GEL to formulate a policy for distance learners. Describes how the GEL Management designed a Distance Learners’ Information Service (DiLIS) based on the findings of this study. DiLIS will offer a range of facilities including: a written policy that states the borrowing, reservation and renewal rights for all distance learning students; a World Wide Web based information gateway; a postal loan service; a document delivery service; a staffed telephone and electronic mail help line; remote literature searching facilities; a mediation service for negotiating access arrangements to alternative academic libraries; and modified user education programmes.