About the Union Catalogue

The Union Catalogue in AMICUS contains bibliographic descriptions, location and holdings information for continuing resources and monographs, in all subject areas, held in more than 1300 Canadian libraries. Included are: computer files, maps, microforms, newspapers and works in special format (braille, large print, talking books, described videos, captioned videos) for persons who are print or hearing-impaired.

Post-1980 bibliographic records reside in the AMICUS database and are accessible online in AMICUS. Bibliographic information reported prior to 1980 is available in card catalogues on site at the Library and Archives Canada.

Location and Holdings Information for Specific Titles

Inquiries from libraries should be directed to the Interlibrary Loan Service.

Inquiries from individuals should be directed to Reference and Information Services.

Contributing to the Union Catalogue

There are two methods of contributing records to the Union Catalogue: MARA, and Update Locations. Both services are free of charge.

Machine Readable Accessions (MARA)
Libraries that are able to send their records electronically in MARC format should send their records to the Union Catalogue using the available MARA service.

• Guidelines for reporting Machine-Readable Accessions (MARA) to the National Union Catalogue [2003 edition]

Update Locations on AMICUS Web
Libraries that cannot send their records electronically in MARC format should use the Update Locations service offered by the Union Catalogue.

• Update Locations on AMICUS Web

Inquiries from libraries regarding reporting (contributing) their holdings to the Union Catalogue should be directed to:

Manager
Database Networks (Union Catalogue)
Library and Archives Canada
395 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON K1A 0N4
CANADA
Telephone: 819-994-6985
Fax: 819-934-4388
E-mail: union.catalogue@lac-bac.gc.ca

Canadian libraries in the Union Catalogue

To see the list of Canadian libraries that have contributed to the Union Catalogue in AMICUS and their library symbol, please go to the Index of Library Listings: List of Union Catalogue Libraries in AMICUS.

Documents Available On-line

• Towards 2000: Resource Sharing for the Millenium
  
  

Services to Persons with Disabilities

The Union Catalogue in AMICUS contains records for works in special or alternative format including works contributed as Canadian Works in Progress (CANWIP), pre-publication titles under production by Canadian non-profit institutions serving persons who are print or hearing-impaired. Upon publication, the producers submit additional bibliographic and holdings information and the record is updated online in AMICUS.

These records facilitate resource sharing among Canadian libraries by making the information available on AMICUS to help reduce costly duplicate production.

Additional information on other Library services to persons with disabilities is available.