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Library cooperation in the 21st century Sharing resources and managing the library in new ways Sponsoring cooperative learning Gates, OCLC to develop campaign More cooperation enhances WorldCat Managing the collective collection Statistics from cooperatives worldwide Download this issue (2.77 MB pdf)
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OCLC evolves governance and service models to provide more opportunities for participation and partnershipBy Andy Havens OCLC Members Council has adopted a new set of governance practices in order to move to a model that better represents member institutions all over the world. This change was approved by Members’ Council in May of 2009, at the last meeting of that organization before it transitions to the new governance model under an OCLC Global Council.
Through participation in the Regional Councils, any member can bring resolutions to the table for a vote, and direct consideration by the Global Council. While the Global Council will retain the authority to vote on Board of Trustees appointments and changes to OCLC Foundation Documents, OCLC is looking forward to getting advice and direction from all members through the Regional Councils.
Each Regional Council will select a chairperson and administrative officers who, in cooperation with OCLC, will plan at least one live Regional Council meeting annually, and may schedule additional virtual meetings as needed. OCLC will support these meetings where all members in the Region will be able to participate in discussions, advance ideas and vote on resolutions related to the cooperative. In the United States, these changes in governance structure parallel a shift toward a more direct model of service for OCLC member libraries. OCLC and the regional U.S. networks have developed a new partnership model allowing for more direct participation from libraries while providing improved billing assistance, centralized support and a national portal to expand training options. Across the board, OCLC is expanding the ways in which libraries, museums and archives can join the cooperative, take part in its direction, and benefit from a shared vision for the future of information services.
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Under the new governance structure, any institution participating in cooperative OCLC programs or services will be a member of OCLC. In addition to electing delegates to the Global Council, all members will be able to directly impact the direction of the cooperative through involvement in one of three Regional Councils:
