Abstract: A method and apparatus for storage and retrieval of electronic documents is disclosed. A central document repository and one or more remote access sites are interconnected via a general purpose data network. Documents are stored within the system using a monochrome, raster format. Documents are transmitted from the repository to the remote access sites for display to the user. Additional capability is provided to search the stored documents; generate on-demand user interface screens containing the search results; insert documents into the repository via transmission by facsimile machine; and to interactively communicate between users of the system. The electronic documents can be either conventional text and graphics; or multi-media documents containing text, video, and audio material. A single physical document repository can be logically segmented into multiple virtual repositories supporting diverse groups of users.