Cooperation

A unique cooperative venture

In 1967, a small group of library leaders believed that working together, they could find solutions to the day's most pressing issues facing libraries. They began with the idea of combining computer technology with library cooperation to reduce costs and improve services through shared, online cataloging.

Today, that idea of using technology to extend cooperation has grown into a worldwide organization in which almost 25,900 libraries, archives and museums in 170 countries are members. The shared cataloging service is among the busiest in the world, enabling libraries each year to catalog more than 264 million items. Cooperative advances have expanded to help libraries better manage workflows, collection management, reference services, resource sharing and digital materials. And tomorrow, new Web-scale services will amplify library cooperation even further.

How did this happen?

Libraries recognize the power of sharing, accomplishing much more collectively than individually. Working together lowers costs, speeds workflows and reduces redundancy. Sharing resources expands impact and creates more value for library users. And a network mind-set fuels innovation and creates a unifying force for engaging other communities and supporting the public purpose of information access for all.

Libraries and OCLC will continue to find innovative ways to reinforce traditional values of library cooperation, working together for the common good. It is this approach that has kept our unique, member-owned and member-managed enterprise viable for more than 40 years.