Stimulate the provision of a standardised server interface to catalogue and bibliographic information databases which will in turn facilitate international connectivity. Create a portable software package which will allow the service to be replicated on different platforms. The service will be available at all times, not just during library opening hours. Provide a wider audience with access to catalogues, resulting in greater use of library stock. The package will be easily replicated at other sites to enable better access through a more local service which does not require computerisation at the service host site.
Libraries can modify their acquisitions policy using information from the service.
Library staff at all levels would gain experience of new technology. There should be spin-off effects of better use of library stock through more interlibrary loans and document copying. Providing access to this service with a public client and directory service should encourage the implementation of servers at other libraries and so further improve the worth of the service. The implementation of OPACs in libraries has not provided a general access method for library catalogues. Users still have to contact the library and apply to use the service over a network.