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Together we make breakthroughs possible.

OCLC is a global library organization that provides shared technology services, original research, and community programs for its membership and the library community at large. We are librarians, technologists, researchers, pioneers, leaders, and learners. With thousands of library members in more than 100 countries, we come together as OCLC to make information more accessible and more useful.

Whether we’re supporting advancements on the leading edge of science or helping children build a strong learning foundation, shared knowledge is the common thread. People can find the answers they need to solve important problems in their lives, in their communities, and in the world. Together we make breakthroughs possible. Both big and small.

Because what is known must be shared®.

Together we go further, faster.

Person uses tablet computer in a library

We advance understanding and drive innovation.

We conduct research that helps institutions stay ahead of their most pressing challenges. We ensure that the promise of new technologies makes a difference in the lives of librarians, researchers, and learners. We provide shared services that help libraries operate more efficiently, enabling them to focus more time and resources on their goals. And we deliver tools and data that member libraries need to fulfill their commitments to the communities and campuses they serve.

 
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We connect people to the information they need.

OCLC libraries collectively steward a vast quantity of knowledge. Working together, we make this information more visible and accessible to end users through shared WorldCat data, syndication programs, and partnerships. This sharing of ideas creates connections both inside and outside the library community. It unites thinkers and doers around common purposes. And it helps researchers and learners achieve their goals by putting the world’s knowledge in reach.

 
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We move forward with purpose.

When we come together as a network, we can address shared challenges at scale. And we can better understand the needs of all researchers, students, and innovators. Learning from each other, leaning on each other, we chart a clearer course across the ever-changing information landscape. Join thousands of member libraries and have a voice in shaping the future.

We have greater impact when we work together to champion libraries and increase their visibility. OCLC has a long history of creating, testing, and scaling programs that promote libraries and librarianship. Some examples include: the Geek the Library (BiblioFreak in Switzerland) public awareness campaign; Outside the Box event-based community support; and WebJunction, an online learning hub for librarians.

 

A breakthrough in community.

The story of the Clarkston Independence District Library illustrates the power of library cooperation. A community program, developed by OCLC, provided materials and training that helped Clarkston not just survive, but expand to better support local vibrancy and growth.

View other member stories.

 

“Our library was on the brink of extinction. Instead, we rallied community support, allowing us not just to survive, but to grow.” Julie Meredith, Director, Clarkston Independence District Library

OCLC at a glance

Founded
1967 as a nonprofit, member-driven library community

Members
Nearly 30,000 in 100+ countries

Library types served
Research, academic, public, school, medical, law, corporate, government, special, state and national libraries, groups and consortia

Major services
Library management, discovery, cataloging, digital libraries, virtual reference, resource sharing

Scope
40+ million search requests processed each day by OCLC systems

Research
OCLC Research focuses on research collections and support, understanding the system-wide library, data science, and user studies.

Community programs
WebJunction®, OCLC Community Center

Breakthroughs depend on access to knowledge. Together, member institutions, individual librarians, partners, and staff believe in that mission to share knowledge. And we believe that, together, we can do more.

Because what is known must be shared.