OCLC membership

Membership in OCLC brings many benefits to a library and its users, including global access to information, high quality research, participation in governance, and the value of shared resources. In order to share in these benefits, criteria have been created to qualify an institution's membership status. OCLC's Membership Criteria is reviewed by the Board Membership Committee on an annual basis. At least one of the qualifying activities related to an OCLC service must be met by an institution on an annual basis.

View the current criteria and qualifying activities and services

Contact us to discuss your membership activities.

Member groups

As a member-driven cooperative, OCLC actively engages members in gathering feedback and ideas to help shape our shared future. Much of this collaboration occurs in a broad range of member groups such as: Advisory Groups, User Groups, Working Groups, Online Communities and Affinity Groups.

Join member groups.

Maintain your voting contact

One of the most unique and important benefits of OCLC membership is electing member representatives to your Regional Council. Delegates elected from these councils (Americas, Asia Pacific, and Europe, the Middle East and Africa) reflect your interests through the OCLC Global Council, which works on behalf of members worldwide. Elections take place each year, and each member institution with qualifying activity as of 30 December receives one vote.

Provide or update your institution's voting contact information.

Opt out of participating in membership activities.

WorldCat Rights and Responsibilities for the OCLC Cooperative