Abstract
OCLC Online Computer Library Center, Inc., is a nonprofit computer library service and research organization based in Dublin, Ohio. OCLC operates an international computer network used by more than 16,000 libraries in 47 countries. OCLC has developed a strategic plan for its Reference Services Division to help it further the ease of access to, and use of, the worldwide body of knowledge and information.
The plan describes a current library environment wherein tight budgets have encouraged networking and the sharing of resources to keep costs down while maintaining access to information. Meanwhile, as the publishing industry evolves to meet the changing demands of the library community, it is increasingly interested in electronic publishing. The plan also envisions a future in which information distribution will shift to electronic means. Geographic distance will become unimportant as telecommunications technology improves.
To enable OCLC to fulfill its mission under these conditions, the Reference Services Strategic Plan calls for OCLC to: 1) emphasize online – rather than offline – information access; 2) offer services to patrons through libraries; 3) expand document ordering capability; 4) expand database coverage; 5) forge strategic alliances to help OCLC achieve its goals; 6) improve the economics of information distribution to bring about widespread use of information.