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The National Library of Canada (NLC) is involved in a range of digital library (DL) initiatives which contribute to the fulfillment of its mandate and support the growing range of DL services that complement the Library’s more traditional collections and services. Incorporated in the NLC’s DL initiatives are projects relating to digitization, collecting Canadian networked electronic publications, development of virtual catalogues, metadata creation, and preservation of digital resources. Issues relating to collaboration, access to digital collections and databases, and preservation are addressed in the Canadian context based on NLC’s experience to date.

Because of Canada's regional and cultural diversity and the size of the country, interlibrary loan arrangements (both formal and informal) have long flourished. Within the last 5 years Canadian libraries have increasingly abandoned telex in favour of electronic mail when sending ILL requests. An OSI based ILL protocol has been developed by the National Library of Canada and automated systems using this protocol are now being implemented, with the help of information gained from an informal ILL survey conducted by the author in 1987. The National Library of Canada's protocol supported automated ILL system includes all functions required for location, lending and borrowing activities. Benefits of this system include better control of requests and greater efficiency due to standardization of procedures, also the optimization of resources and more cost‐effective use of staff time, resulting in an ILL service which operates with increased effectiveness. However, there still remains room for substantial research and development in the areas of directories, information retrieval, invoicing protocols, electronic document delivery and service management before technology's potential can be fully harnessed.

Argues that interlending services in Canada increasingly rely on new technologies. Discusses librarians′ use of new developments such as telefacsimile, CD‐ROM, high bandwidth networks, and OSI based systems. Shows that technical developments have served as a catalyst for extensive service and technical planning of national and regional interlending services.

Discusses why interlibrary loan (ILL) has not been the subject of substantial automation and briefly discusses the current state of ILL automation in the UK. Suggests that the Library and Information Co‐operation Council (LINC) is uniquely placed to monitor developments. Recommends further action for LINC including its role in collection and dissemination of information and influencing developments in ILL automation.

Discusses organisation, automation and performance measurement aspects of interlibrary loan department management, and developments in charging for and the preservation of ILL items. Highlights the problems of ILL in developing countries, and changes and developments in the rest of the world. Considers electronic document delivery systems, the effect of technological advances on libraries and the “Burgundy effect”.