Following the liquidation of Libris Computing Ltd., Unity Co-operative Council members have agreed to appoint BLCMP Library Services Ltd as the official Unity system supplier.

Unity is a co-operative of Regional and National Library Systems and similar organisations, formed to provide reciprocal access to records of library holdings largely for interlending purposes. Libris Computing Ltd was the supplier of the PC-based system which enabled records to be viewed, updated and Inter-library loan (ILL) requests to be made.

Dr. Alan Marchbank, Chair of the Unity Co-operative Council, said 'Rescuing the current system in the short term has been the most important consideration for us and we are delighted that BLCMP has proposed a solution which enables us to maintain continuity and also provides a foundation for planning future enhancements.

BLCMP presented proposals for the service on 20 October to the Unity Co-operative Council. The initial contract is to replicate the current service as provided by Libris until March 31st 2000. BLCMP is well placed to continue the existing service, having built a reputation for the co-operative sharing of records, with the BLCMP Database and EDI Clearing House service, as well as being the leading UK supplier of library systems to local authority and higher education libraries. Further enhancements to the Unity system will be considered by the Unity Co-operative Council during the coming year.

Peter Wright, Operations Director at BLCMP said 'There is an excellent fit between the business objectives of the Unity Council, the Regional Library Systems and BLCMP. We have pledged to provide a high quality service to customers, and anticipate being able to exceed their expectations.'

The official contracts will be signed shortly.