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National Library News |
by Rob Sekerak,
Information Technology Services
Does "00" denote the arrival of the year 2000 or a return to 1900? Hard to decide? It’s equally difficult for computers. And therein lies the seed of the Year 2000 Bug sown in the early days of computer history.
Storing data was expensive. Computer memory was limited. To economize on funds and space, almost all computer programs used two, rather than four, digits for calendar years. This practice was effective in ’72, ’82 and ’92 and will be effective until ’99. But, as the millennium -- ’00 -- approaches, hardware and software systems using a two-character date field will fail if they cannot distinguish between 1900 and 2000.
Aware of the threat of the Millennium Bug, the National Library of Canada set up a Year 2000 project team in April 1997 to ensure that business at the Library will continue as usual after January 1, 2000.
As the National Library’s systems were replaced recently, the amount of work required to overcome the Bug is lessened. Nevertheless, preparing for "B-Day" involves assessing all systems and supporting infrastructure for Year 2000 compliance. The Library will also take the added precaution of shutting down all computer systems on the evening of December 31, 1999 to avoid potential damage to computer systems in the event of a prolonged power outage.
The National Library’s systems include:
AMICUS, the National Library of Canada’s bibliographic system
During the planning phase of AMICUS, we were aware of the Year 2000 Bug. Therefore, we created a Year 2000-compliant system. We will test it thoroughly and make minor changes to third-party software as required.
Dynix, another bibliographic system used at the National Library of Canada
Dynix is produced and maintained by Ameritech Library Services Inc. In a letter to the Library, Ameritech says that the National Library of Canada's customized version of Dynix is Year 2000 compliant. This system will also undergo Year 2000 testing.
National Library of Canada’s Web site
All third-party products used in this application are being investigated for Year 2000 compliance. Any that the Library has created will also be tested. We do not anticipate any Year 2000 problems with our Web site.
National Library of Canada’s supporting infrastructure
This includes office systems, and all underlying software and hardware in the National Library. Vendor statements say that most of the systems are Year 2000 compliant. We will test the critical components of the supporting infrastructure to verify the vendors’ assurances.
The Library, like most other organizations, cannot absolutely guarantee Year 2000 compliance for its systems or, because of many factors outside our control, promise that service will be uninterrupted. But we can make every effort. The National Library of Canada intends to maintain quality service into the year 2000 and beyond.
For further information, contact:
Rob Sekerak
Year 2000 Project Leader
Telephone: (819) 953-4134
Internet: robert.sekerak@nlc-bnc.ca