Sky is falling : public and university libraries in New Zealand : Y2K awareness and legal issues

Abstract

This report is a qualitative analysis of how public and university libraries in New Zealand are dealing the advent of the new millennium with regard to their computer systems. It asks what stage libraries are at in their awareness of Y2K, how far along they are in becoming compliant and also looks briefly at legal issues surrounding Y2K for libraries and their suppliers/vendors. The idea was gleaned from the Coopers and Lybrand survey conducted in 1997. The data were collected by questionnaires sent out to libraries. The research showed that libraries are addressing the Year 2000 problem and that they are well underway to becoming compliant before the turn of the century. Legal issues for the libraries include ensuring they have warranties of product compliance and taking all reasonable steps to ensure the transition from this year into the next is seamless and without catastrophe.