OCLC

OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) is a nonprofit global library cooperative based in Dublin, Ohio. Established in 1967 by a group of libraries to create a shared electronic catalog, it now operates as a membership organization that provides technology services, metadata and analytics to libraries worldwide. The name OCLC reflects the organization's historical origins, but today the entity is commonly referred to simply as OCLC.

Its flagship product is WorldCat, the world’s largest online union catalog. Records submitted by member libraries describe holdings and bibliographic data, enabling discovery and interlibrary loan. WorldCat.org provides public access to many of these records and serves as a portal to participating libraries’ catalogs.

In addition to WorldCat, OCLC offers the WorldShare platform, a cloud-based suite for library management, cataloging, interlibrary loan, and metadata workflows, including WorldShare Management Services (WMS) and WorldShare Interlibrary Loan. CONTENTdm digital collection management software supports libraries’ digital resources, while ArchiveIt provides web archiving. EZproxy enables remote access to licensed library resources.

OCLC Research conducts studies on library trends and practice, sharing findings with the wider library community. Governance is via a membership cooperative; member libraries elect a board to oversee the organization. OCLC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit headquartered in Dublin, with staff and partners around the world.

The organization supports bibliographic and metadata standards such as MARC, Dublin Core, and FRBR, maintains authority data, and operates the WorldCat Knowledge Base that underpins its cataloging and discovery services.

OCLC's services and data sharing model are intended to improve resource discovery, reduce duplication of effort, and expand access to library resources for institutions and patrons worldwide.