Library information provider OCLC, US, has announced that libraries can now increase their visibility on the Web by registering basic local information with the OCLC Library Spotlight program - a free service that works with popular Web services to promote libraries. Yelp, the popular local directory service, has agreed to be one of the first to work with OCLC on this new program.
OCLC uses information from a variety of sources to pre-populate location and contact information for thousands of libraries. The OCLC Library Spotlight program takes this a step further, providing a single, easy-to-use interface in which any library can add, edit and update its own information once, in order to populate multiple Web destinations. Initial data was taken from the WorldCat Registry, but libraries can add a variety of information, including pictures and links to services, social content and collections. A custom, mobile-optimised link allows libraries to easily publish information to smartphones and other mobile devices.
OCLC's Library Spotlight program extends the reach of all libraries to more audiences with essential information about libraries - through WorldCat.org and a network of partnerships across the Web. The simple process of claiming and managing a prepopulated profile gives any library a quick path to participation and visibility. This program represents one more way to register library data into the worldwide network of libraries.
The initial phase of the program will focus on public and academic libraries in the US. Subsequent phases will include new partners to address additional library types and regions.
