Smart fulfillment, powered by AI
OCLC’s AI-powered smart fulfillment is transforming resource sharing for libraries. By combining artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced data analysis, we’re making it faster, easier, and smarter to deliver what your library users need—when they need it.
First launched in 2020, smart fulfillment reflects years of innovation. What started as data-driven automation has evolved into cutting-edge AI capabilities that optimize interlibrary loan (ILL) processes. The result? Faster delivery times, reduced staff workloads, and happier users.
Smart fulfillment gives your library an edge.
Deliver exactly what they want, when they need it.
OCLC’s resource sharing services create a seamless experience for your users. With AI-powered features, smart fulfillment identifies the fastest and most reliable lenders in real time. Libraries using these tools have cut processing times by up to 50%, so you can get resources into users’ hands faster while focusing staff time on more important tasks.
Make smarter decisions with AI.
OCLC’s AI takes the guesswork out of interlibrary loan. It analyzes lending policies, real-time activity, historical data, licensing terms, and more to predict which libraries can deliver the fastest. This means you can offer reliable, high-speed ILL service that exceeds your users’ expectations.
Tap into the world’s largest resource sharing network.
With more than 10,000 libraries worldwide, OCLC’s network is the largest of its kind. Our AI-driven technology transforms traditional borrowing by streamlining processes and accelerating delivery, so you can connect your users with the resources they need, quicker than ever.
Speed up turnaround times.
Smart fulfillment automates complex workflows, reduces manual tasks, and find the most reliable suppliers to meet your criteria. This results in faster deliveries and lower costs. Many copy requests are filled within 24 hours—and some in 2 minutes or less.
Simplify your processes.
Say goodbye to juggling multiple resource sharing services. With OCLC, you can join lender groups that match your goals—whether that’s an 18-hour (or shorter) turnaround time or free reciprocal borrowing. Our global network lets your library borrow from libraries everywhere, meeting users’ needs quickly and cost-effectively.
Built-in innovation, no extra cost.
These capabilities are built into OCLC’s trusted resource sharing services—WorldShare Interlibrary Loan, Tipasa, ILLiad, and Resource Sharing for Groups—at no additional cost.
NEW Knowledge base coverage check automatically responds “no” to copy requests that fall outside your library’s WorldCat knowledge base coverage and license terms. By filtering out ineligible requests, you can focus on those requests you can fill, saving time and improving efficiency.
NEW Intelligent timing leverages AI, machine learning, and real-time data to prioritize lending libraries that are actively processing requests. The system continuously updates its algorithm to route requests to libraries that are ready to fill them, while also load balancing to prevent any one library from being overwhelmed. This smart technology leverages real-time data, speeding delivery and the entire resource sharing network.
Automated request manager ensures library users get what they need fast. You can set custom rules, allowing you to retain control while reducing processing times by up to 50%. With faster processing and greater control, library staff have more time for priority tasks. Learn how to set up automations
Real-time availability automatically checks the shelf status of an item using the Z39.50 standard. If an item is checked out or otherwise unavailable, the system automatically moves the request to the next lender, minimizing delivery delays and manual intervention. In the past year alone, the real-time availability feature was calculated to save library users 400,000+ hours of wait time while freeing library staff from 13,500+ hours of tasks. Get set up with real-time availability
Smart lender strings leverage machine learning and historical data to predict and automatically select the libraries most likely to deliver items quickly. Requests are automatically routed to lenders, while built-in load balancing prevents any one library from becoming overwhelmed.
The Express program uses data-driven insights to connect libraries committed to fast delivery of articles and other digital resources. Since 2021, nearly 2 million copy requests have been filled in an average of 10 hours among Express libraries. Plus, it’s included with an OCLC ILL subscription, so there’s no extra cost and no need for an additional ILL system. Learn more about the Express program
Libraries with OCLC Resource Sharing for Groups receive enhanced requestability, which leverages AI-driven logic to ensure quicker, more efficient fulfillment for groups. This feature evaluates item availability, group member policies, historical turnaround times, and load balancing to create optimal lender strings. The results speak for themselves: library groups using Resource Sharing for Groups report a 99% fill rate, with 92% of requests fulfilled by the first lender. Boost your fill rates with Resource Sharing for Groups
Better fill rates and faster turnaround times for consortia
The Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) libraries have implemented OCLC Resource Sharing for Groups, a cutting-edge solution designed to revolutionize resource sharing for library groups and consortia. This new approach is streamlining workflows for staff while providing more speedy delivery for library users.
See how libraries are maximizing their delivery speed
Librarians tell their own stories of how smart fulfillment created significant time savings for staff and a better ILL experience for their users.
Video: Data-driven fulfillment delivers digital resources faster
Learn how smart fulfillment functionality connects your staff and users to valuable resources from libraries worldwide—without extra effort or increased costs.
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