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The last few years have seen considerable advances in the field of computerised bibliographic control. In addition to the mainframe‐based systems such as MARC, there has been increasing interest in mini‐ and microcomputer systems for both technical processing and information retrieval. With these developments has come a re‐examination of the usefulness of bibliographic standards which have emerged since libraries started facing the needs of interlibrary communication. This reconsideration of standards has prompted among many librarians the idea that the advent of computerised systems means the end of the need for standardisation. There is a general feeling that it is no longer necessary to require cataloguers (if they figure at all in the argument anyway) to create records in the rigorous way demanded by the likes of the Anglo‐American cataloguing rules (AACR). The power of the computer, it is felt, obviates the sophisticated and resource‐wasting processing that goes on in cataloguing departments; and features such as boolean searching, truncation, etc, can get over the need for accurate specification of authors' names or the titles of documents.

Lancashire Polytechnic in Preston was the last designated polytechnic, and was established in 1974. The library became a member of BLCMP in 1976, and an automated catalogue database was developed. In 1977 the Polytechnic merged with two teacher training colleges at Chorley and Poulton‐le‐Fylde, both of which had considerable collections not held in a machine‐readable form

Preston Polytechnic Library and Learning Resources Service—a member of BLCMP—has developed and now uses a PRECIS‐related subject index produced locally in co‐operation with the Polytechnic Computer Services Unit. An in‐house PRECIS system has the advantages of consistency, British terminology and frequent up‐dating. It facilitates reproduction for multiple service sites. The article describes system hardware and software and outlines production routines. A Working Party has been established to review future developments, especially frequency and physical form. The possibility of a local online configuration is discussed.

This paper traces the demise of joined up ILL across the Regional and National Libraries of the UK by the setting up of Unity (Combined Regions) and the change of status of LASER. It also documents the long‐term development of Viscount/V3 and the effect upon resource sharing along with other significant developments. Examines the new regional bodies and The People's Network in their contribution to, and effect upon, resource sharing. Details the history of LASER's development of electronic messaging and resource sharing from Viewdata through to Viscount and on to V3.Web.

Describes the changing role and function of libraries caused by cuts, new technology, etc. Discusses future directions and challenges, especially with regard to IT. Examines new initiatives for libraries, including training shopkeepers as librarians and having in‐store libraries. Uses the case of Brent Libraries as an example.

The Internet may well come to provide many members of the public with their best chance of access to public information. This article serves to update readers on two different approaches to assist public libraries to connect to the Internet; the Library Association Millennium Bid and Project EARL (Electronic Access to Resources in Libraries). In the first section of the article, the LA/EARL/UKOLN Public Libraries Networking Adviser reviews the exploratory Library Association Millennium Bid, the response by the Millennium Commission and the subsequent development of the new joint Library Association and Library and Information Commission bid. In the second section, she reviews the accelerating momentum of Project EARL, a consortium of 40% of UK public library authorities, and the establishment of Development/Special Interest Groups. The Millennium Bid and Project EARL seek to provide public access to the resources of the Internet, and to create new resources and services, through the UK public libraries community. Both projects have the potential to impact on public libraries into the next century and to deliver public information into the heart of every UK community.

Discusses the need for a national access policy for monographs in public libraries and the role of networking in the future of resource sharing. Suggests the need for the newly‐created Library and Information Commission to produce a blueprint of guidelines for national strategies to cover resource sharing and the need to co‐ordinate elements of the situation in which the public libraries no longer have a single monograph national database but two unconnected systems, and the academic libraries have yet another separate database. Introduces the EARL project (electronic access to resources in libraries) as a new model, and emphasizes the need for a genuine partnership approach.

Discusses the need for a national access policy for monographs in public libraries and the role of networking in the future of resource sharing. Suggests the need for the newly‐created Library and Information Commission to produce a blueprint or guidelines for national strategies to cover resource sharing and the need to co‐ordinate elements of the situation in which the public libraries no longer have a single monograph national database but two unconnected systems, and the academic libraries have yet another separate database. Introduces the EARL project (electronic access to resources in libraries) as a new model, and emphasizes the need for a genuine partnership approach.