With apologies for the duplication:

LC ILS Upgrade Impact on MDS

The Library of Congress is planning to upgrade its Integrated
Library System (ILS) starting February 15, 2002.  During the
ILS upgrade process the creation, updating, and importing of
bibliographic and authority cataloging records into the LC
production database will cease.  Consequently very few or no cataloging
records will be distributed via the daily and weekly
CDS MARC Distribution Services (other than
MDS-Serials) during the upgrade time. The ILS upgrade process
is expected to take approximately two weeks.

MDS subscribers should note that the daily and weekly
distribution files will continue to be created, but most likely
as null files.  MDS subscribers should expect an increased
number of records immediately following completion of the ILS
upgrade, as the backlog of daily imports are processed.

Concerns or questions regarding the availability of MDS files
during the LC ILS upgrade can be directed to:
                        Jim Kimball
                        Cataloging Distribution Service
                        email: [log in to unmask]
                        telephone:  (202) 707-1357


January 15, 2002