“AI is not just a tool—it’s the catalyst for the next era of library advancement. As a technology leader, we’re not only shaping what’s possible, we’re ensuring that every breakthrough remains grounded in purpose.”
Skip Prichard
OCLC President and CEO
We’re not just keeping up with AI—we’re setting the pace. With decades of experience in library data, OCLC is leading the way with bold ideas and proven expertise. Our teams are building real-world AI, machine learning, and LLM solutions that help libraries work smarter—always guided by the insight of library professionals.
Because to us, innovation isn’t just about what’s possible. It’s about what’s meaningful.
Built for libraries, guided by experts
Our AI solutions aren’t off-the-shelf. They’re developed with deep understanding of library practice and metadata standards, ensuring that AI amplifies human expertise without replacing it. Across cataloging, discovery, resource sharing, and enrichment workflows, AI is integrated to make library work more more efficient, accurate, and responsive to community needs while avoiding unnecessary complexity or resource waste.
This human-centered approach also supports careful consideration of how AI systems are trained and governed. We do not use member library data or WorldCat content to train general-purpose AI models, and we respect intellectual property and copyright as part of our commitment to ethical data use.
AI that works for you
We’re already putting AI to work in practical ways. Our machine learning tools help libraries process collections faster, while AI-driven enhancements improve discovery and access for users. And we’re just getting started—exploring new ways to make library work easier, more efficient, and future-ready.
Resource sharing’s smart fulfillment
AI speeds up resource sharing by matching requests with the best lending library, saving time for both staff and users.
WorldCat record de-duplication
AI amplifies record de-duplication efforts to improve the quality and usability of WorldCat data.
Cataloging efficiencies
AI suggests classification numbers and subject headings from WorldCat data for metadata enrichment, while catalogers retain full control to accept or dismiss each suggestion.
Benefit from AI in Record Manager Utilize Connexion’s AI enhancement
WorldCat.org smart recommendations
AI delivers smarter search results, connecting users to the resources they need faster than ever.
A sustainable and human-centered future
AI may be evolving rapidly, but our commitment remains the same: to support libraries with technology that’s thoughtful, reliable, and aligned with their core values. Sustainability is part of that commitment—from how we design our systems and choose modelling approaches to how we reduce redundancies and improve accuracy over time.
We know environmental impact, data governance, and ethical considerations matter to libraries and their users. That’s why we integrate these concerns into how we build, govern, and refine AI services—not as an afterthought, but as an essential part of how we deliver responsible technology for libraries.
Shape the future of human-centered AI for libraries
The best AI solutions come from working together. Join the conversation in our Community Center to engage with OCLC experts and peers, ask questions, share insights, and help shape the responsible, sustainable evolution of AI in libraries.
Hanging Together blog posts
Insights from our experts on AI’s evolving role in libraries.
RLP Webinar: Getting ready for AI
Learn how libraries are preparing for AI’s future.
Linked data: The next evolution
Explore how AI and linked data are transforming library metadata.