Global library cooperative OCLC, US, has transferred to EBSCO Publishing (EBSCO) the rights to license publisher-owned databases that are currently available through the OCLC FirstSearch reference service. This transaction is intended to complete the cooperative’s transition out of the role of content reseller. OCLC is focusing on management and access to libraries’ full collections through the OCLC WorldShare Platform.
In March 2010, EBSCO acquired the NetLibrary Division of OCLC as well as the rights to license a select number of publisher-owned databases available through FirstSearch. The current transaction completes the transfer of OCLC’s rights to license publisher-owned databases on FirstSearch that began under the 2010 agreement.
EBSCO has agreed to host, distribute and support these licensed databases, and plans to load the databases and begin providing access to users on EBSCOhost. OCLC and EBSCO are working together to ensure a smooth transition for users, and uninterrupted service for customers.
FirstSearch remains part of OCLC’s discovery and delivery services. As these services become part of the OCLC WorldShare Platform, FirstSearch users will see improved integration and workflows. OCLC will continue to provide access to WorldCat and other databases published by OCLC, such as ArticleFirst, OCLC WorldCat Dissertations and Theses, SCIPIO and Electronic Books.
The OCLC WorldShare Platform is a global, interconnected Web architecture that supports OCLC’s Webscale services and applications, and provides flexible, open access to library data through APIs and other Web services. Library service and content providers, like EBSCO, can offer libraries access to their content and services through the OCLC WorldShare Platform.
OCLC has agreed to assign to EBSCO the hosting contracts for the Anthropological Index, Anthropological Literature, Anthropology Plus, Avery Index to Architectural Periodicals, Chicano database, FRANCIS, Heritage of the Printed Book (formerly Hand Press Book), History of Science, Technology and Medicine, Index to 19th-Century American Art Periodicals and Russian Academy of Sciences Bibliographies.
Offering these resources on EBSCOhost is in line with EBSCO’s approach to making available quality subject indexes. Customers of EBSCO Discovery Service (EDS) who subscribe to these databases on EBSCOhost will be able to leverage EBSCO’s unique Platform Blending technology to infuse results from these databases into their EDS experience.
