OCLC Launches Enhanced CONTENTdm for Global Discovery of Digital Library Collections

OCLC Introduces CONTENTdm

OCLC, the renowned global library organization, has recently unveiled an upgraded version of its digital collection management platform, CONTENTdm. This innovative tool is designed to help libraries, archives, and museums enhance the visibility and accessibility of their unique digital collections, enabling a broader audience to connect with various cultural, educational, and informational resources.

A New Era for Digital Collections

With over two decades of experience, CONTENTdm has been a trusted platform for libraries seeking to share their digital collections online. The complete redesign of CONTENTdm comes as a response to evolving needs in digital collection management. Collaborating closely with user feedback, OCLC has integrated modern technology solutions to ensure this platform meets the demands of today’s institutions and patrons alike. Currently, CONTENTdm is available in the United States, with expansion plans to reach more regions in the forthcoming months.

Discoverability and User Experience

One of the core objectives of the new CONTENTdm is to facilitate a more seamless and efficient discovery experience for users. According to Mary Sauer-Games, Chief Product Officer at OCLC, the platform is engineered to help staff at libraries make their collections easier to find and explore, which in turn allows for more effective service delivery without over-burdening the workforce. "The libraries piloting the updated platform provided invaluable insights for refining the technology and improving metadata standards," she explained.

By leveraging OCLC's extensive knowledge in digital collection management and metadata, CONTENTdm elevates the availability of unique collections through enriched metadata, integrated exhibits, linked data, and interoperability features. This means that collections can now be discovered beyond the confines of an institution’s website, allowing presentations in wider discovery environments where searches typically commence.

Streamlined Management Features

The new CONTENTdm platform incorporates browser-based administration and a series of tools aimed at streamlining collection management, including Optical Character Recognition (OCR) features and automated bulk workflows. These enhancements seek to reduce the repetitive workload on staff, enabling them to process more materials using existing resources more effectively.

Additionally, CONTENTdm employs advanced metadata applications including authority control and linked data capabilities, ensuring institutions can maintain high-quality metadata across their collections. Institutions looking for comprehensive capabilities can also opt for CONTENTdm Premium, which includes intelligent automation, enhanced metadata creation features, and improved accessibility, alongside faster workflows to maximize productivity without needing additional staffing.

Conclusion

OCLC’s commitment to enhancing the digital landscape for libraries and archives is evident in the launch of the new CONTENTdm platform. By equipping institutions with advanced tools for the efficient management and discovery of collections, OCLC continues to enable libraries to better serve their communities and contribute to a well-informed society. For more detailed information about CONTENTdm, OCLC invites interested parties to visit their official website.

About OCLC

OCLC is a nonprofit organization based in Dublin, Ohio, dedicated to providing technology and community programs that empower libraries worldwide. By fostering collaboration among libraries, OCLC cultivates a global network that supports learning, research, and the free exchange of knowledge. Through initiatives such as WorldCat and WorldShare, OCLC enhances library operations through shared data, allowing libraries to better meet the needs of their patrons.

For press inquiries, please contact Bob Murphy at [email protected] or call +1-614-761-5136.