A study of computer facilities in British libraries highlighted the respective benefits and disadvantages of using the parent institution's central computer or using a dedicated minicomputer. The large computer's technical advantages include greater opportunities for sharing or buying operational software, and the availability of experienced staff. The maintenance problems are not for the library to solve. The computer is capable of handling the large sorts and large files characteristic of library processing. Greater availability of higher level languages speeds up the development of a system and aids the unavoidable change to new equipment. With a minicomputer the library has control over access, is independent of the idiosyncrasies of the computer center, and is secure for the life of the equipment. The system will be tailor-made for the library but capable of expansion. In exchange for these benefits, the library has the responsibility of selecting, financing, operating, and maintaining the system. (Author/PF)