From your 1997-98 OCLC Users' Council Delegates:
   Benard Strong          Marcia Talley
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   ph: 202-287-9463       ph: 410-293-6905

> FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
>
> FOR MORE INFORMATION:
> Brenda K. Bailey +1-614-761-5056
> [log in to unmask]
> Nita Dean +1-614-761-5002
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>
> OCLC to help further access to information throughout Minnesota
>
> DUBLIN, Ohio, May 12, 1998--The Library Planning Task Force of the
> State
> of Minnesota Higher Education Services Office has chosen to enter into
> contract negotiations with OCLC to provide the gateway component of
> the
> Minnesota Library Information Network (MnLINK).
>
> MnLINK is a statewide information system project that will link
> public,
> academic, school and government libraries throughout Minnesota.
> Participating libraries will access information from a variety of
> sources through a single interface.  Work on the project is expected
> to
> begin in July.
>
> The project consists of two main sections:  a gateway component and a
> library automation component.  OCLC will supply the gateway component
> using OCLC SiteSearch WebZ software and OCLC distributed interlibrary
> loan software.  OCLC staff will work with Minnesota libraries to
> develop
> Web interfaces; authentication and access control; Z39.50 access to
> library catalogs, reference resources and full-text documents; and
> access to information delivery via interlibrary loan or document
> delivery services.
>
> Data Research Associates (DRA) is expected to provide the MnLINK
> library
> automation system, which will serve the University of Minnesota, the
> Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system, state government
> libraries, and private college, public and K-12 libraries that choose
> to
> participate.
>
> MnLINK is a response to the Library Planning Task Force Vision and a
> mandate from the 1996 Minnesota Legislature to "develop a statewide
> online information system for libraries."  The MnLINK Web site
> <http://www.heso.state.mn.us/www/mnlink/mnlink.htm> contains further
> information.
>
> OCLC Online Computer Library Center is a nonprofit, membership,
> computer
> library service and research organization whose computer network and
> services link more than 26,000 libraries in 64 countries and
> territories
> <http://www.oclc.org/>.          (GP)
> -0-