This article gives an overview of the major considerations and problems in designing a Chinese/English library system outside of China, Taiwan and the USA. It investigates the international scene in Chinese data processing. Questions on input methods, the machine representation of Chinese characters, the availability and suitability of Chinese input-output systems and bibliographic utilities on the market, and the MARC formats and data structure of library systems are explored. This leads to the logical conclusion that standardization is of prime importance in the automation of Chinese systems. Without it, librarians will have to make difficult decisions and face the consequence of not being able to communicate and share resources.
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