The purpose of this document is to highlight the major technical issues of interconnection within a broad based, multi-function, multi-user bibliographic data interchange network in Canada, and to indicate specific areas where development work of a technical nature needs to be undertaken. Recent systems development in the U.S. and Canada is reviewed briefly and two basic alternative forms of bibliographic data systems are compared--open versus closed: the open system is advocated for the National Library. A framework is provided for isolating and defining technical issues through discussions of some basic concepts and components. Interconnection problems pertaining to standards and protocols are also discussed, to emphasize the crucial need for control even in an open system, and major areas of technical development are considered, including the identification of network participants, their roles, and resources; and the definition of network protocols at the application, presentation, and session levels of the model. Notes to clarify specialized terms and abbreviations are appended, as well as a list of nine references. (Author/RAA)