The growth of library networks throughout the world is described briefly. (PF)

Based on a directive from the National Advisory Board of Canada, this paper provides a set of definitions and guidelines which Canadian libraries may choose to use in negotiating their contracts with database suppliers, vendors, and other information and bibliographic services. The report is intended to: (1) provide a basis for understanding and…

Library automation in Canada is complicated by the large size, dispersed population, and cultural diversity of the country. The National Library of Canada is actively planning a Canadian library network based on national bibliographic services for which the library is now developing automated systems. Canadian libraries are involved in the…

In order to optimize the use of available bibliographic data in machine-readable form by Canadian Libraries, the National Library of Canada is developing new automated systems. Implementation priorities are related to the development of national and international standards, systems, and networks. One major project is the design of a system, using…

Because of data ownership questions raised by the interchange and sharing of machine readable bibliographic data, this paper was prepared for the Bibliographic and Communications Network Committee of the National Library Advisory Board. Background information and definitions are followed by a review of the legal aspects relating to property and…

The nine papers presented in this report attempt to discuss and describe Canadian library networks and systems as they exist today and as they are being planned for future development at the local, provincial, regional, and national levels. The first report provides, as an example, an overview of library systems and networking in Britain as they…

These papers discuss various options for a computerized national bibliographic network and highlight the problems and potential of developing such a database. Following a brief explanation of the conference purpose and organization, 10 primary papers are presented: (1) "A Brief Overview of Computerized Library Networking in Canada," by…

This design phase study concerning the proposed replication of the DOBIS system for the British Columbia Library Network (BCLN) was conducted to determine the preferred strategy for the transfer and loading of the British Columbia Union Catalogue (BCUC) database currently resident at the University of Toronto's UTLAS system. User and database…

Described are existing components that could be linked together to form a Western Bibliographic Network or could provide products and services for Network members. The components reviewed are: (1) state library agencies, research libraries, state and multistate library networks, and other regional organizations in the 17-state western region and…

The two purposes of this report are to present concrete proposals related to the need for the National Library of Canada to facilitate the development of nationwide bibliographic and associated communications networks, and to outline the relevant network concepts assumed in framing the nine recommendations and the related implementation proposals…

The Task Group advocates the development, with the guidance and support of the National Library of Canada, of a Canadian Library Network with the objectives of equalizing opportunity for access to information and making use of total Canadian library resources more cost-effective. This network would be composed of three interrelated components--a…

Describes automated library network developed when five municipal library systems entered into an equal partnership to create single database and to jointly own a computerized circulation and MARC records system. Highlights include use of microcomputers, the shared circulation system, costs, benefits, governance, equality, stability and financial…

Conducted to review the present status of computerized bibliographic centers in Canada and to report on the most effective means of promoting computerized library network development in that country, this study summary of the findings of seven substudies (1) describes the salient features of 20 Canadian and United States centers; (2) reviews major…

This study to determine the hardware and computing facility costs of establishing and operating a British Columbia Library Network (BCLN) for current members of the B. C. Union Catalogue used empirical data regarding their performance of the DOBIS system and estimates of workload, and compared those data with the costs of obtaining current…

This study was initiated by the Newfoundland Public Library Services (NPLS) to assess the feasibility of automation for the library services and to determine the viability of an integrated automated library system for the NPLS. The study addresses the needs of NPLS in terms of library automation; benefits to be achieved through the introduction of…