LEIDEN, Netherlands, 28 May 2024—The Fundación Universitaria San Pablo CEU has selected OCLC's WorldShare Management Services (WMS) as its fully integrated library services platform to handle all essential functions of its diverse institutions' libraries in Spain. In addition to providing a library services platform to bring CEU libraries together, OCLC will create a single catalog of collections from participating institutions to search through one interface.

Fundación Universitaria San Pablo CEU is an institution with an extended tradition in education, offering a wide range of studies through a network of educational institutions spread across the Spanish geography at all education levels, from primary and secondary schools to colleges, research institutions, business schools, and four universities in major cities of the Spanish state.

The WMS platform will be implemented in libraries serving CEU Schools, CEU Teaching School in Vigo, San Pablo CEU Foundation in Andalusia, CEU Cardenal Herrera University in Valencia, San Pablo CEU University in Madrid, Abat Oliba University in Barcelona, and the ACdP association. In total, the platform will cover 20 libraries serving over 96,000 users.

"We have learned through years of experience that a collaborative yet autonomous approach while preserving the unique characteristics of each branch, is the most effective organizational structure for our area. Given the geographical dispersion, number, and diverse needs of the libraries across CEU branches, this model has proven successful," said Ascensión Gil Martín, CEU Libraries and Archives Director.

WMS helps libraries streamline workflows, reduce the need for support and administration from IT departments, and easily manage library resources in all formats. Built on WorldCat, WMS enables libraries to leverage collaborative data and the work of libraries worldwide for more efficient workflows.

According to Gil Martín, "with WorldCat we can streamline workflows, as it allows us to share catalogs already created on the network. WMS makes it easier for us to manage both digital and print collections, so it meets the modernization needs of our libraries. In addition, the platform is interoperable with our user authentication system, a key requirement for us."

A new catalog of Fundación Universitaria San Pablo CEU institutions' collections will be built on the WorldCat Discovery platform, the discovery solution developed by OCLC that makes it possible for people to easily find and get resources available in libraries through a single search. Library users will be able to access their local library catalog as well as explore all library collections that are part of this consortium through the single search and resource discovery interface.

"We find the Discovery Responsive solution provided by OCLC highly appealing, as it consolidates end-user searches. Quick and easy access to available information resources is essential to support learning, teaching, and research within our institution, and we believe this aspect is pivotal," said Gil Martín.

The selection of WMS reflects CEU's ongoing commitment to innovation and employing the latest technologies to meet the learning and educational needs of its users.

Being part of OCLC means connecting to a global network of knowledge and interlibrary collaboration.

"OCLC welcomes Fundación Universitaria San Pablo CEU libraries to the WMS community in Europe and around the world. A growing number of libraries in Spain realize the need to streamline their internal processes and increase their visibility in online searches. WMS will enhance the role of the library within these institutions and among the users they serve," said Eric van Lubeek, OCLC Vice President, Global Library Services, and Managing Director, OCLC EMEA & APAC.

Gil Martín also highlighted OCLC staff training, with face-to-face and online sessions, and the support received from the OCLC team during development of the project. "These have been key factors for success of implementation of WMS in CEU libraries," she said.

More about WorldShare Management Services is on the website.