A simple search box connects users with content in OCLC electronic in a user-friendly experience that delivers relevancy ranking of locally-owned items cataloged in WorldCat, faceted browsing and simultaneous searching of an unlimited number of databases.  Soon, users also benefit from access to social tools such as personal profiles, reviews and ratings and list creation and sharing that are not available in existing service interfaces.

This enhanced access is the first step toward more full integration of OCLC electronic resources, with the goal of eventually making WorldCat.org, WorldCat Local and WorldCat Local “quick start” the primary interface to these services.  OCLC plans to release enhancements to the new interface on an ongoing basis.

Access to current services continues

These enhancements let libraries offer users a new interface for access to OCLC electronic resources at no additional charge.  Existing interfaces for FirstSearch, NetLibrary, CAMIO and ArchiveGrid will be available through at least 2011 to ensure a smooth transition for library staff and users.  Staffs at each library control the timing of the introduction of these enhancements to local library users.  More information on the single-search access to OCLC electronic resource services can be found on the Web at www.oclc.org/access

Lankes’ keynote is “The Times They Are A’Changin’ – the Logic of Participatory Librarianship,” a discussion of how library service should match how people build knowledge.  He also discusses the obligation and power of libraries participating in their communities and society as a whole. The keynote will be followed by a panel of local librarians reacting to Dr. Lankes’ presentation.

After lunch, we will reconvene for the MLC Annual Meeting, which will include an update on the merger between MLC and INCOLSA, followed by the Director’s Annual Report and business meeting.

AGENDA
9:00 a.m. Registration

9:30 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
Welcome – Randy Dykhuis, MLC Executive Director
Keynote – R. David Lankes, “The Times They Are A’Changin’ – the Logic of Participatory Librarianship”
“Reactor” Panel – Colleen Hyslop, MSU Libraries; Larry Neal, Clinton-Macomb Public Library; Anne Heidemann, Canton Public Library

12:00 Noon – 1:00 p.m. Lunch

1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Annual Meeting
Merger Update – MLC and INCOLSA Board members
Director’s Annual Report – Randy Dykhuis
MLC Business Meeting

OCLC has released the WorldCat Digital Collection Gateway, a new service that helps libraries and other institutions maximize the visibility of unique primary source materials, such as digital photos, newspapers, letters and diaries, through WorldCat on the Web.

The WorldCat Digital Collection Gateway is available to all users of OCLC CONTENTdm Digital Collection Management software at no additional charge.

The WorldCat Digital Collection Gateway offers libraries a self-service tool to easily upload metadata from their unique digital content to WorldCat, the world’s largest online resource for finding items held in libraries. Once the metadata is in WorldCat, libraries’ digital collections are more visible and discoverable by Web searchers through WorldCat.org, WorldCat Local (including the ‘quick start’ version), Google, Yahoo! and other popular search engines.

“Libraries, museums and archives should do whatever they can to get their materials available online and expose their collections to users—wherever they are—on the Web,” said Roy Tennant, Senior Program Officer, OCLC Research. “The WorldCat Digital Collection Gateway is an easy and effective way to do this.”

The Gateway has been piloted in 12 institutions. Since May, the pilot participants used the Gateway self-service tools to upload thousands of records from their CONTENTdm collections into WorldCat. Because they have used the Gateway to set up profiles for their collections, the pilot users’ metadata will be regularly uploaded to WorldCat as they add to their digital collections over time.

“The Gateway is an important tool for the Clark to broaden the visibility of its collections,” said Penny Baker, Collections Management Librarian from the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute, one of the institutions that participated in the pilot. “From there we have created WorldCat lists and have also tied in online interactive communities such as Facebook and other Web 2.0 tools.”

One of the WorldCat lists created by the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute can be found here www.worldcat.org/profiles/tompinch/lists/772561.

As libraries, museums and other cultural heritage organizations continue to upload CONTENTdm metadata, they are creating a collective digital repository to enrich the resources available to their end users. End users will be able to search WorldCat to find the resources they need from their library’s digital collections of rare, historic or local materials, along with materials provided by other libraries around the world. Users will be able to click on items and visit these unique collections virtually by viewing items immediately on their computer screen—anytime, from anywhere.

More information on the WorldCat Digital Collection Gateway can be found on the Web at www.oclc.org/gateway.

OCLC customer support. MLC/OCLC members will now contact OCLC Customer Support for all questions related to support for OCLC products and services.  To contact OCLC Customer Support, please email support@oclc.org or call 1-800-848-5800.

OCLC Service Hours. OCLC support professionals are available 14 hours a day, Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 9 p.m. Eastern Time, to assist you with your needs. They will provide answers about OCLC products and services, to help your library maximize the value of your OCLC membership.

OCLC billing. MLC will offer billing assistance to your library for OCLC products and services. To contact MLC for billing assistance, call Janet LaCross at 1-800-530-9019 extension 116, or  email lacrossj@mlcnet.org.

OCLC sales. To order OCLC Cataloging subscriptions and other OCLC products and services, see OCLC’s Orders web page, To request a quote or other sales information, contact OCLC at us@oclc.org.

OCLC news. MLC is teaming up with INCOLSA and OCLC to keep you informed about the latest OCLC news. With the introduction of OCLC’s new service model, INCOLSA will provide information about new and enhanced OCLC products and services via regular updates on the MLC website, the Communique blog, and mlcinfo mailing list.

For further information, see MLC’s OCLC Services web page.

Headlining this program at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana will be Michele Reilly, the Digital Repository Coordinator for the Arizona Memory Project at the Arizona State Library, and Geri Ingram, the Customer Services Manager for OCLC Digital Collection Services.

The two-day Users Group meeting will begin on Thursday morning, March 19, 2009 and conclude in the afternoon of Friday, March 20, 2009 with tours of the Special Collections Department on Purdue’s campus.

Two pre-conferences are available on Wednesday, March 18, 2009.

* Copyright in a Digital World presented by Donna Ferullo, J.D, 1:30 to 5 pm ET.
* CONTENTdm 5 Update led by Geri Ingram, in two sessions, one from 8:30 am to 12 noon ET and repeated from 1:30 to 5 pm ET.

Registration is open to all CONTENTdm users regardless of location.

For more information about the meeting and a link to the Registration site, please go to: http://www.lib.purdue.edu/spcol/mug/?page=registration

Registration fee for the Users Group meeting is $75.00 (includes lunch) and for each pre-conference is $35.00.

Registration deadline is March 6, 2009.

If you have questions, please contact:

Carl Snow, Purdue University
1-765-494-2764 or email him.
Or
Brad Faust, Ball State University
1-765-285-8032 or email him.

View blogs ››

Among the findings from the report:

Library funding support is only marginally related to library visitation.
Perceptions of librarians are an important predictor of library funding support.
Voters who see the library as a “transformational” force as opposed to an “information” source are more likely to increase taxes in its support.

The report suggests that targeting marketing messages to the right segments of the voting public is key to driving increased support for U.S. public libraries.

Purchase a print copy of the report or download a free electronic version at the OCLC Web site.

WorldCat Local
2 opportunities to attend!
Saturday, June 28 1:30 – 3:30 pm, Anaheim Convention Center, Room 204C
and
Sunday, June 29 10:30 am – 12:00 noon, Anaheim Convention Center, Room 304 C/D

WorldCat Local: Taking Your Library to Users on the Web
WorldCat Local delivers a rich, user-centered discovery and delivery experience through seamless integration with local collections and services as well as Web-level connection with library collections—and their users—around the world.

WorldCat.org

Saturday, June 28 10:30 am – 12:00 noon, Hilton Anaheim, California Ballroom C
Applying Social Networking to Your Library through WorldCat.org
Join an interactive discussion about new ways to quickly apply social networking to your library. Learn about enhancements to WorldCat.org that will help your users contribute content, meet other users and build community locally. Take the WorldCat Challenge at this session!

Sunday, June 29 10:30 am – 12:00 noon, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel, Pacific Room B

Maximize Your Library’s Web Visibility with WorldCat.org
Learn how your library can become more visible to Web users through WorldCat.org. Speakers will discuss recent and upcoming enhancements, and provide tips on ensuring your library’s information stays current on the site. Take the WorldCat Challenge at this session!

2 opportunities to attend!

Sunday, June 29 2:30 – 4:00 pm, Marriott Anaheim, OCLC Green Suite*
and
Monday, June 30 10:30 am – 12:00 noon, Marriott Anaheim, OCLC Green Suite*

WorldCat Web 2.0 Tools Workshop
Come play with the new, fun social tools on WorldCat.org at this open-house style event. Create a profile, share lists and write a review in a relaxed, convivial setting.
*Ask hotel concierge for OCLC Green Suite location

Play the WorldCat Challenge!

Demonstrate your WorldCat searching skills and join us in a fun new game at ALA this year. Contestants will be selected from random drawings at six different qualifying rounds at OCLC Booth 1448 and the two WorldCat.org meetings listed, above.

Saturday, June 28: 12:00 pm and 4:00 pm
Sunday, June 29: 9:30 am and 2:00 pm
Monday, June 30: 10:00 am and 2:00 pm

All contestants will receive a WorldCat t-shirt; winners of qualifying rounds will also win an ALA Store gift certificate and will be invited back to OCLC Booth 1448 for the final challenge round at 4:00 pm, Monday, June 30. The champion will win a video iPod!

To register for these meetings and other OCLC events at ALA, click here and be sure to visit OCLC exhibit booth 1448.

Even if you aren’t attending ALA this year, you’ll find recordings of the presentations available on the OCLC Web site shortly after the conference is over.

Tony Ferguson, Sandy Yee elected to the OCLC Board of Trustees

OCLC has adopted a new governance structure designed to extend participation in the cooperative to an increasing number of libraries and cultural heritage institutions around the world.

On May 20, the OCLC Members Council approved changes to the Articles of Incorporation and Code of Regulations that had been recommended by the Board of Trustees. The changes will transform the current Members Council into a Global Council that connects with Regional Councils around the world.

Members Council also elected two delegates to six-year terms on the OCLC Board of Trustees: Tony Ferguson, University Librarian, University of Hong Kong Libraries; and Sandy Yee, Dean of Libraries, Wayne State University, and outgoing OCLC Members Council President.

The new Global Council will replace the Members Council in a transition that is expected to take 12-18 months and will be coordinated between representatives of the 2008-2009 Members Council and the Board of Trustees.

“I believe this is the next step to make OCLC a true global cooperative, with local connections and local touch through Regional Councils,” said Larry Alford, Chair, OCLC Board of Trustees and Dean of University Libraries, Temple University. “The Board remains deeply committed to libraries and other cultural heritage organizations as we continue to work cooperatively for the benefit of our users worldwide.”

“I look forward to helping to smooth the governance transition by working closely with colleagues on the 2008-2009 Members Council,” said Ms. Yee, who will make the transition from Members Council President to Board member. “After reading the documents and listening closely to the discussions about this move, I am confident that OCLC is positioned to continue to grow and add value to the membership worldwide.”

“I’m very excited about the prospect of involving librarians from throughout the Asia Pacific region in the evaluation of OCLC products and services,” said Mr. Ferguson, who also makes the move from Members Council to the Board. “Asia Pacific librarians who attend the new Regional Council meetings will network with others facing the same challenges and will be able to directly communicate their needs and concerns to OCLC managers and developers.”

“OCLC management will do what it takes to support the transition to the new governance model,” said Jay Jordan, OCLC President and CEO. “We want and need to hear from the various regions of the OCLC cooperative. We want to improve the conversation at all levels throughout the cooperative.”

“Many people with a deep commitment to libraries and to the OCLC cooperative worked very hard over many months to develop these governance recommendations. I am very grateful to them for their time and effort,” said Mr. Alford.

Members Council passed a resolution recommending that Council, as a body, vote on the new recommended structure; that the Regional Councils should be set up based on agreed upon principles, and that they are funded properly. The resolution also stated that a methodology should be designed for broad representation of all types and sizes of institutions represented on Regional Councils.
At the conclusion of the meeting, Ms. Yee handed the gavel to incoming Members Council President Loretta Parham, Library Director/CEO, The Atlanta University Center. Council also elected Jan Ison, Executive Director, Lincoln Trail Libraries System as Vice President/President Elect for 2008/2009. Newly-elected delegates at large are:

* Poul Erlandsen, Head, Document Access Services & Collection Management, Danish Univ. of Education

* Kathleen Imhoff, Executive Director/CEO, Lexington Public Library
* Lyn McKinney, Head Librarian, Billings (Montana) Senior High School
* Pat Wilkinson, Library Director, University of Wisconsin—Oshkosh

More about the new governance structure
Since 1998, under Mr. Jordan’s leadership, OCLC has increased the number of participating libraries from 30,000 to 60,000 worldwide; the number of participants outside the United States has grown from 3,200 to nearly 12,000; and WorldCat has grown to over 100 million bibliographic records and more than 1 billion holdings. The increase in libraries worldwide contributing to WorldCat has resulted in another milestone—as of April 2008, there are now slightly more records (50.25 percent) for materials in languages other than English in WorldCat than there are records for English language materials (49.75 percent).

OCLC has made steady progress toward becoming a global library cooperative since its beginning as an intrastate cooperative in the state of Ohio.

The OCLC governance structure was established in 1977 and was last reviewed and revised in 2000. That process led to changes such as adding more delegates from outside the United States. During that process, it was recommended that OCLC review its governance structure within a 10-year period.

After discussions at the Members Council meeting in February 2007, the Board of Trustees established a Governance Study Committee comprised of past and present Members Council and Board leaders. A report from that committee was the culmination of extensive deliberations informed by a consultancy group. In February, Members Council, with many trustees present, spent a great deal of time discussing issues raised by the studies. Discussion continued at the April 2008 Board meeting, and resulted in the recommendations approved by Members Council May 20.

The new governance structure comprises: Members, Regional Councils, Global Council and Board of Trustees.

Members. OCLC Members are those entities that meet a minimum threshold of engagement with OCLC as defined in the Membership and Governance Protocols. A more complete definition of membership will be developed as part of the transition process. The Members will participate in meetings of their respective Regional Councils.

Regional Councils. The purpose of the Regional Councils is to strengthen the cooperative throughout the world and make it easier to participate in its governance. Members will convene at one or more Regional Council meetings on a regular basis to keep current on issues of vital and immediate interest to the OCLC cooperative. The Regional Councils will also elect Member Delegates who will attend the Annual Global Council Meetings.

Global Council. The Global Council will be comprised of Member Delegates elected by the Regional Councils. The Global Council’s principal responsibilities are to elect six members of the Board of Trustees and ratify amendments to the articles of incorporation and code of regulations of OCLC. The Global Council will convene at least once a year at an Annual Global Council Meeting, location to be determined by the Council.

Board of Trustees. Under the new structure, the Board will normally have 15 trustees elected to a four-year term, but can vary in size from 13 to 17 trustees from time to time as determined by the trustees. The Global Council will elect six trustees, and the Board will elect the remaining trustees. The President and CEO will continue to hold a voting seat on the Board. Normally, a majority of the Trustees will be members of the library or cultural heritage communities. The Board of Trustees performs all of the traditional fiduciary and constituency duties related to such governing bodies.

About Members Council
The 66-delegate Members Council supports OCLC’s mission by serving as the key discussion forum and communications link between member libraries, regional networks and other partners, and OCLC management. By providing a channel for recommendations and questions from Members Council delegates, approving changes in the Code of Regulations and electing six members of the Board of Trustees, Members Council helps shape the future direction of OCLC.