Visit to OCLC Headquarters
Our visit to OCLC headquarters was both informative and inspiring. We received a warm welcome and were introduced to the mission and scope of OCLC’s work, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to global library collaboration and innovation.
A central theme of OCLC, “Because what is known must be shared, together we make breakthrough possible,” was reflected throughout the day’s presentations. One session focused on OCLC’s membership and governance, outlining the historical evolution of the organization since its founding in 1967. The emphasis on member feedback and shared leadership highlighted OCLC’s commitment to participatory governance.
We were then taken on a comprehensive tour of OCLC’s facilities, including the data center, archives, library, service operations center, and a demonstration of OCLC’s online products. This behind-the-scenes experience offered valuable insights into the scale and infrastructure supporting library services worldwide.
The day concluded with an overview of OCLC’s core products and services, which include:
- Library management services
- Metadata management
- Resource sharing
- Discovery tools
- Reference services
Highlights included an overview of Watch WorldCat Grow, the world’s most comprehensive global catalog of library collections and WebJunction, OCLC’s free, online learning platform that offers professional development for library staff across the globe.
Our session concluded with a look into the OCLC Community Learning Centre, which includes the OCLC Research Division. This unit produces cutting-edge research and publications that shape the future of librarianship.
One compelling project in development is “Library Beyond the Library”, exploring how academic libraries collaborate with other units and libraries to provide extended research support. A notable example is the partnership between Ohio State University Libraries and Westerville Public Library.