Heidelberg University Library has completed the transition to OCLC’s WorldShare Management Services (WMS), bringing the cloud‑based library services platform into live operation. The library system, which includes 35 institutes and departmental libraries, serves approximately 30,000 students and 6,500 researchers, making it one of the largest academic library systems in Germany. The implementation marks a significant step in modernizing the library’s infrastructure.
The decision to adopt WMS was driven by the goal of optimizing electronic resource management and providing users with centralized access to both print and digital collections. The platform consolidates different media types and data sources into a shared cloud environment, searchable through a unified discovery system. This integration enhances connectivity among information resources and supports modern services for students, researchers, and faculty.
Heidelberg University Library operates within a complex system landscape that includes the K10plus union catalog, the journal database (ZDB), and WMS. Standardized interfaces link these systems, allowing efficient data exchange and synchronization without manual intervention. The result is an integrated architecture that maintains existing structures while enabling smooth, future‑oriented operations.
The successful launch was the outcome of close collaboration between Heidelberg University Library and OCLC. During the implementation, processes were analyzed, requirements addressed, and features adapted to meet the specific needs of academic libraries. Insights gained from the project are contributing to the ongoing development of WMS, benefiting libraries of varying sizes and specializations.
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