Discusses the actual and potential impact of local shared automated library systems on the development of a comprehensive nationwide bibliographic database (NBD). Shared local automated systems are described; four local shared automated system models are compared; and the current interface between local shared automated library systems and the NBD…

Describes an automated interlibrary loan request routing and referral system made available to U.S. biomedical libraries by the National Library of Medicine. The description covers the databases used and the systems modules that support various functions. The current status of the system and possible future developments are discussed. (six…

Discusses both the advantages and the limitations of the Canadian cataloging-in-publication (CIP) system, a decentralized system which began in January 1976 with three principal library agencies--the University of British Columbia, York University (transferred to the University of Toronto in 1982), and the Bibliotheque Nationale du Quebec in…

Describes the background of the Linked Systems Project, which is designed to link existing bibliographic utilities into a national system of machine-readable bibliographic data and discusses directions being taken by the library community and why the OSI architecture was selected as the system protocol. (CLB)

Describes participation by Sri Lanka in the HELLIS (Health Literature, Library and Information Services) Network, which links libraries for sharing health information resources at the national and regional levels. Highlights include establishment of the program; background, scope, function, and resources of participating libraries; and current…

Describes a national plan for university libraries in Brazil that recommends a center for computerized cataloging, standard cataloging formats, and the development of an online library network. Discussion focuses on problems associated with online network implementation, such as computer import restrictions, changes in government agencies, and a…

Describes a program of national collection building designed to provide universal availability of publications in the Federal Republic of Germany in the context of historical traditions, the development of a cooperative acquisition program, financial support, and methodological aspects of the system. (CLB)