Patrick Stevens

This document provides an update on Online Computer Library Center (OCLC)'s open content strategy and future direction. It details the organization's engagement in the open content movement, driven by library and funder mandates, and its broad definition of open content. Key findings from a global survey highlight growing interest, the need for assessment, policy advocacy, and research into discoverability and metadata standardization. OCLC is actively integrating open content into its core products and services, enhancing MARC record standards, and fostering both internal 'inside out' collections and curated external resources. The overarching aim is to improve the end-user experience and offer libraries reliable access to aggregated open content.

This document, a presentation by Keith Webster, discusses the strategic approach to building the library of the future, leveraging OCLC research and foresight planning. It advocates for libraries to evolve from collection-centric to service-oriented models, adapting to rapid technological advancements, artificial intelligence, and the increasing volume of digital data. The presentation outlines a vision for libraries to effectively manage the evolving scholarly record, embrace open science initiatives, and align with broader institutional objectives. It specifically references Carnegie Mellon University's strategic plan for a '21st century library,' which is structured around four key pillars: innovative learning spaces, global collections, the curation of the scholarly record, and the expertise of information specialists.

The OCLC strategy and vision outlines the organization's direction to empower libraries and foster learning, research, and innovation by leveraging its global network. It focuses on three key areas: enhancing bibliographic work through linked data, optimizing shared print collections, and improving delivery services to create a 'library on-demand' experience. This experience is built upon intuitive discovery, smart fulfillment tailored to user preferences, a unified single account for all interactions, and universal access to a massive inventory.

This document outlines OCLC Delivery Services' vision and strategy to enable a 'library on-demand' experience for users, adapting to evolving expectations shaped by consumer services like Amazon and Uber. The strategy is built upon key pillars: intuitive discovery across various channels, smart fulfillment offering transparency and diverse choices, a unified single account for managing all requests, and universal access to a vast inventory including WorldCat, a central index, open access content, and shared print. The objective is to connect existing OCLC products and leverage APIs to create a seamless and user-centric library experience.

This research briefing outlines findings from a study on how library leaders are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic and the emergence of 'new model library' concepts. It identifies three core experiences—work, collections, and engagement—that guide libraries' strategic adaptations. The briefing highlights four areas of impact for future library models: agility, collaboration, virtualization, and space, aiming to enhance staff capabilities, foster partnerships, integrate virtual services, and optimize physical environments to meet evolving community and institutional needs.