The characterization of wool by infrared spectroscopy is hindered by the complexity arising out of extensive band overlapping. Improvements can be made by digitizing the spectral data and making use of a computer package which contains routines for smoothing, interpolation, resolution enhancement and peak location. Applications to the spectrum of wool in the 3mum region, to the quantitative analysis of wool/nylon blends and to the identification of a resin-treated wool are described, and the possible future development of computer-assisted spectroscopy is discussed. -- AATA