NATIONAL LIBRARY OF CANADA: Library and Information networking: developments in Canada

Abstract

This paper gives an overview of the strategy for the development of electronic decentralized nationwide library and information networking in Canada and its status after five years of development. The technical basis for the network development is Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) Reference model, approved by ISO and CCITT to allow different makes and sizes of computers to interconnect and intercommunicate. The development strategy is explored in terms of participation in the iNet Gateway field trial mounted by Telecom Canada as one of the first attempts in the world to implement the OSI concept, and subsequently library application protocol development based on OSI, pilot projects to test protocols, the dissemination of the protocols, and the advisory structure in place for the resolution of technical and policy issues for the evolving network links.