Reviews the growth of library networks and bibliographic utilities, and describes the concept of a national bibliographic network. The impact of microcomputers, the increased computer literacy of librarians, preferences for local autonomy, and the availability of commercial online services on the desire for a national system are discussed. (CLB)

This analysis of trends in the Canadian library systems marketplace in 1986, compares installations of large integrated systems and microcomputer based systems by relative market share, and number of installations by type of library. Canadian vendors' sales in international markets are also analyzed, and a director of vendors provided. (Author/CLB)

Reengineering efforts, vendor consolidation, and rising costs prompted the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to convert its computer resale store to an online catalog that allows students, faculty, and staff to purchase equipment and software through a World Wide Web interface. The transition has been greeted with a mixed reaction. The next…