National Library News

November 1995, vol. 27, no. 11

MAPLIN: Manitoba Public Library Information Network

by Will Enns, Head, Technical Services, Public Library Services, Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Citizenship

MAPLIN is a union catalogue of resources held at rural and northern Manitoba public libraries. Initiated by the Public Library Services Branch of the provincial government department, Manitoba Culture, Heritage and Citizenship, MAPLIN is intended to overcome the challenges of providing equitable library service and resource sharing. Since the province's population is centred in Winnipeg, outlying rural and northern libraries have offered services in relative isolation from each other. MAPLIN allows libraries around the province to communicate, exchange information and share resources.

This online union catalogue was begun in 1987 as catalogue records were added through the Public Library Service's Centralized Cataloguing Program. Catalogue records are also added to the union catalogue through periodic updates on diskette from many of the province's 84 rural and northern public libraries.

The catalogue is housed on a UNIX server accommodating multiple dial-up, running GEAC ADVANCE library software. Libraries dial into MAPLIN via Manitoba DATAPAC at an economical, uniform rate across the province. When they dial into MAPLIN, libraries can enhance their local reference services through various types of searches on specific titles and subject areas. Libraries can also place direct holds on items located within the Public Library Services collection. Items held by other rural public libraries can be requested through ENVOY or traditional routes such as mail and telephone.

MAPLIN is a tool that can be used for resource-sharing functions besides interlibrary loan. MAPLIN can display catalogue records in MARC format to assist local libraries in cataloguing new materials. MAPLIN can also be used to export MARC records to diskette for loading into specific local library systems, this providing libraries with an economical source of cataloguing copy.

The enthusiasm of rural and northern public libraries for automating their services has been essential in making MAPLIN effective. Funding for automation of individual sites has been provided by local, provincial governments and private foundations. The Public Library Services Branch offers education and support to libraries purchasing hardware and software. Libraries can select local library software appropriate to their budget and individual preferences, providing their choice is fully MARC-based. This facilitates the loading of new holdings into MAPLIN, ensuring the continued growth of the union catalogue.

Current MAPLIN development includes mounting the system on the Internet to enhance access, use e- mail, and reduce online costs. Further enhancements will include installation of GEOPAC Z39.50-based software at individual sites. GEOPAC facilitates searching across many different types of library catalogues by supplying consistent search commands.

The continued development of MAPLIN, combined with the impressive efforts of Manitoba's rural and northern public libraries, will serve to bring the province's libraries closer together.

Information:

Will Enns
Unit 200
1525 First Street South
Brandon, Manitoba R7A 7A1
Telephone: (204) 726-6872
Fax: (204) 726-6868
E-mail: ILLMWPL