Replacing AMICUS

Library and Archives Canada announce the beginning of the process of negotiating with the Online Computer Library Centre (OCLC) to develop a cutting edge service to manage acquisitions, cataloguing, access, circulation and resource sharing to replace AMICUS, including the National Union Catalogue (NUC).

"Both Amicus and the NUC are of critical importance to the Canadian library system. The current technologies for these were created almost 20 years ago and no longer meet the needs or expectations of Canadians in the 21st century.

After consulting key stakeholders in the Canadian library community, LAC, in its discussions with OCLC, is seeking to provide a service that:

• is efficient and state-of-the-art;
• gives Canadians comprehensive access to documentary heritage;
• values and protects Canadian culture.

A world leader in its field, OCLC boasts a membership that includes hundreds of Canadian libraries that use its services and expertise. This cooperative provides services in many languages, including French, and they are already working with the national libraries of New Zealand, Australia and the Netherlands.

Until there is a replacement service, AMICUS and the National Union Catalogue will continue to operate as usual."

Thanks to Gail Dever for bringing this LAC announcement to my attention.