News Release

2001-14

AMICUS Web: Free Service from the National Library of Canada

Winnipeg, June 14, 2001 - Roch Carrier, National Librarian of Canada, today announced that the vast database of the National Library of Canada (AMICUS) is now available to all Canadians, free of charge.

AMICUS, which includes the catalogue of the National Library of Canada as well as records for items held in all of Canada's major research libraries, had been available only to those libraries that could afford the subscription fee. This barrier has now been eliminated.

Making the announcement at the annual conference of the Canadian Library Association, Mr. Carrier stated, "Since my appointment as National Librarian, the community has spoken with a unanimous voice - AMICUS must be free. I am delighted that we have been able to respond to this request. AMICUS is now free of charge not only to Canadian libraries, but also to researchers, students - in fact, to any and all Canadians interested in Canadiana."

The National Library of Canada's AMICUS Web service (www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/amicus) provides Canadians access to the premier collection of materials about Canada and beyond. With a database of 22 million records from the collections of 500 Canadian libraries, Canadians can search records describing books, magazines, newspapers, music, videos, government publications and much more. At the same time, they can also find out if a library in their municipality or province holds the item they are searching for. As more and more publications are made available online, a growing number of AMICUS records link directly to the electronic documents they describe, making AMICUS a key gateway to the country's digital library collections.

"We have made the AMICUS system open and flexible," said Judith Prindiville, Director of AMICUS Client Services."All of the basic functions are now available to everyone. In addition, individuals can personalize the interface easily, and Canadian libraries can register for interlibrary loan services. All without charge. We hope everyone tries it!"

The National Library of Canada wishes to thank A-G Canada Ltd. and the Department of Canadian Heritage for their endorsement of this initiative.

Available free of charge, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and supported by the expertise of the National Library of Canada, AMICUS Web is just a click away at: www.collectionscanada.gc.ca/amicus

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For more information, contact:
Judith Prindiville
Director, AMICUS Client Services Management
Telephone: 819-953-7113