Timetable

SUNCAT will be developed in three phases.

Phase 1 (2003-04): a union catalogue will be created from the records of 22 leading research libraries and from CONSER and the ISSN Register. Records will be held in MARC21 format and will cover a critical mass of titles held in UK research libraries.

• September 2004: a pilot SUNCAT service will be launched.

Phase 2 (2005-06): coverage will increase to approximately 200 libraries, and will include specialist collections and older and rarer materials.

• December 2006: SUNCAT will be the first port of call for information about serials held in UK libraries.

Phase 3 (2007- ): the service will be consolidated to ensure its long-term stability.