This discussion paper seeks to highlight the need for standardization in the development of computer and telecommunications systems in Australian libraries to ensure an inbuilt capacity to interconnect with other systems. It presents a proposal for the establishment of an on-going mechanism responsible for identifying and developing standards suitable for the systems. The following topics are considered: (1) problems confronting development of nationally compatible systems; (2) benefits of standards; (3) existing standards; (4) cost of ignoring standards; (5) deciding what standards are applicable in Australia; (6) priorities; and (7) mechanisms to address the problems. A selection of relevant existing standards from four sources is appended. (Author/KP)