Problems related to interlinking online interactive library networks
| Date | 01 January 1983 |
| Published date | 01 January 1983 |
| Pages | 49-57 |
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/eb044588 |
| Author | Frederick G. Kilgour |
| Subject Matter | Information & knowledge management,Library & information science |
THE ELECTRONIC LIBRARY
Problems related to inter-
linking online interactive
library networks
Frederick G. Kilgour
Originally presented at the 48th International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions
(IFLA) General Conference, Montreal. 22-28 August 1982.
Introduction
The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate that electronic interlinking of two
computerized library networks is an extremely difficult task requiring resolution of
at least thirty-six problems of various types even when both networks are within
the same country, and resolution of another twelve if the link is to be international.
During the past several years interlinking has been widely discussed, but the vast
majority of discussants possessed little or no understanding of the problems
involved. For them, the simple question was, "why can't I get a catalog record
from another network?" This paper answers that question with a delineation of the
unresolved problems that stand in the way of interlinkage.
Can interlinked international networks exist? The answer to this question must
be 'Yes,' since there is no theoretical basis for 'No.' However, no one knows how
to interlink two or more online computerized library networks so that the partici-
pating libraries in one network can have access to another network and use the
processes and products of the second network in the same manner as they use the
processes and products of their home network. At least at the time of the writing of
this paper, no such interlinking exists between, or among, any of the dozen net-
works now in being.
If such interlinking were achievable, it could provide two major benefits:
(1) increase in library resources available to individual library users and (2) signifi-
cant reduction in the rates of rise of per-unit library costs. Such benefits would
almost surely be of sufficient magnitude to compensate for the inevitable problems,
worries, and costs associated with implementation and operation of
the
linkage.
The author is Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees of OCLC Online Computer
Library Center, USA.
Vol.
1, No. 1,
January
1983
49
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