NetLibrary, Recorded Books to launch Web-based audiobook program for libraries

NetLibrary, the leading provider of eBooks to libraries worldwide, has teamed up with Recorded Books, the premier provider of unabridged audiobooks to libraries, to create an innovative new program for delivering audiobooks to libraries through the Web.

Library users are now able to search for, preview, check out and listen to audiobooks via the Internet and the familiar NetLibrary platform, and can focus their searches on audio titles only, or take advantage of search functionality that integrates audio titles with all electronic content their library may have in its NetLibrary collection.

Key elements to this unique program include: an innovative pricing structure, unlimited access, the ability for users to download to a range of portable devices, and a technology solution that supports download via broadband or dial-up capabilities, ensuring reach to a wide range of library users.

Online Service Center opens for FirstSearch libraries with expansion to other services

OCLC’s new Online Service Center opened November 15, enabling libraries to manage their accounts more efficiently with self-serve ordering and other user account management tools on a secure, online site. Currently, the Service Center makes it easy to subscribe to FirstSearch databases, order search blocks and speed fulfillment time. OCLC will expand the Service Center capabilities to other products and services in the future, beginning with CatExpress and NetLibrary. For a guided tour, see www.oclc.org/servicecenter/guidedtour/.

Open WorldCat becomes an OCLC program

OCLC recently converted its Open WorldCat pilot into an ongoing OCLC program through which Web searchers can continue linking from popular Web search engines to resources available in libraries. Through June 30, 2005, all libraries that contribute ownership information to WorldCat are included in the program, unless they request removal. Beginning July 1, 2005, OCLC will offer the program at no charge to libraries that contribute holdings information to WorldCat and maintain a subscription to the WorldCat database on the OCLC FirstSearch service. For more information, see www.oclc.org/worldcat/open/.

National Library of Australia to use OCLC PICA Library System

The National Library of Australia has selected the OCLC PICA Central Library System to support the Australian National Bibliographic Database and Kinetica, the Internet-based service for Australian libraries and their users.

The OCLC PICA Central Library System will provide the infrastructure for creation and management of the shared Australian union catalog, and tools for nationwide interlibrary loan. The system will be implemented over the next year and will be operational in December 2005.

Library workstations throughout the country will be connected to the system that will support a national catalog of 13 million records and will enable researchers, librarians and students to use one system to search the collections of more than 1,000 Australian libraries.

OCLC Members Council explores social landscape of infosphere

Delegates discuss online gaming, e-learning and extension of library services worldwide

Charles Kratz, Members Council President and Director, Library and Information Resources, University of Scranton.

OCLC Members Council met Oct. 24–26 in Dublin, Ohio, to explore the social landscape of the information world. Delegates discussed implications of online gaming, e-learning and extending services to more libraries in more countries worldwide as part of its overall theme of “Moving Libraries Beyond Their Comfort Zones.”

It was the first of three meetings for the 2004/2005 Members Council that will consider questions and findings from The 2003 OCLC Environmental Scan: Pattern Recognition, a report that was produced for the OCLC worldwide membership to examine significant issues and trends impacting OCLC, libraries, museums, archives and other allied organizations, now and in the future.

“The social, technology, learning and library landscapes from the Environmental Scan will frame this year’s Members Council discussions, programs and activities, as delegates explore implications of these landscapes and how best to move beyond their comfort zones,” said Charles Kratz, Members Council President and Director, Library and Information Resources, Weinberg Memorial Library, University of Scranton.

From Jay Jordan | Personalizing the Web experience