Old Dominion University Chooses OCLC's WorldShare Services for Enhanced Library Management

Old Dominion University Selects OCLC's WorldShare Management Services

In a significant move aimed at enhancing its library services, Old Dominion University (ODU) has officially selected OCLC's WorldShare Management Services (WMS) as its new library management platform. This decision follows a detailed review conducted by the university to assess its library systems and capabilities.

ODU, which boasts a vibrant community of nearly 24,000 students and a robust academic program, aims to optimize its resources through advanced library technology. With this new partnership, ODU Libraries hopes to increase access to global research resources for both students and faculty alike, marking a notable transition in its operational strategy.

A New Era in Library Services

This year also holds a special significance as ODU celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Patricia W. and J. Douglas Perry Library—one of the university's most recognizable structures. The library serves as a foundational element for the university's teaching, research, service, and outreach initiatives. As the landscape of academic libraries evolves, ODU is focused on aligning its services with future needs to maintain its educational excellence.

Having evaluated its library systems over several years, the decision to adopt WMS comes after extensive experience with a previous vendor. The transition to WMS aligns with ODU's strategic direction, especially in light of the recent merger with the Eastern Virginia Medical School. The Brickell Medical Sciences Library, which had been utilizing WMS prior to the merger, provided valuable insights that influenced the decision-making process.

The Benefits of WorldShare Management Services

The WorldShare Management Services platform is recognized for its comprehensive cloud-based capabilities. By streamlining workflows and improving resource discoverability, WMS integrates seamlessly into existing systems, making it an appealing solution for modern academic libraries. The platform is designed to evolve continuously through active collaboration with library partners, ensuring it meets the diverse challenges faced by academic institutions today.

According to Mary Sauer-Games, Chief Product Officer at OCLC, “Old Dominion University is a great addition to the WMS community. ODU's dynamic learning environment will be supported by WMS's capabilities to improve discoverability and broaden access to global resources through WorldCat.” This forward-thinking approach is expected to facilitate research and encourage academic success among students and faculty.

About the Partnership

WorldShare Management Services is not only an integrated library management platform but also connects local operations to a shared global data network, leveraging WorldCat as its base. This association facilitates a range of library functionalities such as acquisitions, circulation, cataloging, metadata management, discovery, interlibrary loan handling, and license management.

OCLC, the organization behind WMS, is a well-established global cooperative library organization dedicated to improving library services through shared technology and research. Its efforts enable member libraries to gain efficiencies, allowing them to better cater to the learning and research needs of their communities.

Through this strategic partnership with OCLC and the implementation of WMS, ODU is preparing to elevate its library services significantly. The collaboration promises to not only enhance the immediate operational capabilities of ODU Libraries but also to pave the way for increased academic achievements and innovative research opportunities for its students and faculty in the years to come.