This feasibility study assesses the potential of optical technology in the development of accessible bibliographic and location data networks both in Canada and within the international MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) network. The study is divided into four parts: (1) a market survey of cataloging and interlibrary loan librarians to determine what the installed base of CD-ROM cataloging systems was in Canada, how the systems were being used, and library preferences for a potential NLC (National Library of Canada) product on CD-ROM; (2) an examination of production and distribution options which showed that every organization that distributes data to the library market in Canada has a CD-ROM product; (3) consideration of the standards that are beginning to emerge in the CD-ROM industry, particularly the standard for a logical file format; and (4) an outline of the phases necessary for a pilot project. (7 charts) (EW)