Examines two classes of technical problems--communication and integration of applications--occurring in a national library network designed to facilitate information transfer directly among hosts (service providers) and, indirectly, among hosts and users. (CWM)

Notes the importance of equal access to information for all citizens through library networks and defines the role of government in the establishment of a national network system. (CWM)

Discusses the need for an online interface between existing networks and between stand-alone systems and networks through examination of network synergy, trends in networking, and types of services provided by online library networks. The need for creation of implemented network standards for network message traffic is noted. (CWM)

Examines the background studies and high-priority projects which will lay the groundwork for the library bibliographic component of a National Library and Information Service Network and reviews the progress and problems of the national network as evidenced by current cooperative projects. (CWM)

Reviews a study which examined computerized bibliographic centers in Canada identifying three types: (1) library processing facility; (2) library network user group; and (3) information retrieval facility. The study also reported on ways to promote a computerized library network with emphasis on national location service. (CWM)

Describes the objectives, testing, procedures, and effects on document delivery systems of the OCLC interlibrary loan (ILL) subsystem, an uncoordinated national ILL network which provides users with immediate access to the OCLC On-Line Union Catalog, the ILL Transaction File, and the ILL Message Waiting File. (CWM)