Global library cooperative Online Computer Library Center, Inc. (OCLC), US, has announced that it is moving its Web-scale library management services from pilot phase to production with the release of acquisitions and circulation components to a limited number of early adopters.
Beginning July 1, OCLC will work with libraries that are interested and prepared to implement Web-based services for acquisitions and circulation. This will be followed by successive updates for subscription and license management, and cooperative intelligence - analysis and recommendations based on statistics and workflow evaluation among participating libraries. The cloud computing environment and agile development methodology will facilitate incremental updates while minimising impact to library operations.
For the past eight months, OCLC has worked with an Advisory Council and six libraries and library groups as pilots for Web-scale management services. These groups have provided advice to OCLC on an overall direction, offered new ideas that were not in the original development plan, and validated strategic positioning for the service.
OCLC Web-scale Management Services offer a next-generation choice for traditional, back-office operations. Moving these functions to the Web alongside cataloging and discovery activities allows libraries to lower the total cost of ownership for management services, automate critical operations, reduce support costs and free resources for high-priority services. It will also allow libraries and industry partners to develop unique and innovative workflow solutions that can then be shared across the profession.
OCLC will host an online event on July 21 to discuss how OCLC Web-scale Management Services can positively impact a library's budget and workflow. The online registration form for this event can be found at www.oclc.org/info/ala/webscalejuly21.htm.
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