OCLC

OCLC, Inc., founded in 1967 as the Ohio College Library Center, is a nonprofit, global library organization that provides shared technology services, original research, and community programs. With the mission of increasing access to knowledge, OCLC serves nearly 30,000 member libraries in over 100 countries. The organization focuses on collaboration among libraries to improve information sharing and leveraging technology to enhance library services and operations. By developing tools such as WorldShare Management Services (WMS), OCLC enables libraries to manage their collections efficiently, connecting users with a vast array of resources.

OCLC emphasizes a culture of innovation and shared governance, engaging library leaders from diverse backgrounds to inform its strategies and operations. The organization is best known for WorldCat, the world's largest online public access catalog, which aggregates library catalogs worldwide to provide a seamless research experience. OCLC also conducts extensive research to advance library services and has pioneered initiatives like WebJunction to offer training and support for library staff. By championing libraries and promoting knowledge sharing globally, OCLC strives to adapt to the evolving needs of the library community and its users.