OCLC Library Services helps U.S. libraries and consortia thrive

摘要

Libraries are playing key roles in the digital age, and U.S. libraries are often recognized as being on the cutting edge of technology. Many U.S. libraries and consortia have moved beyond providing access to electronic resources to creating those electronic resources. Our work with each library or consortia is unique and is focused on helping all libraries integrate digital resources. Today, libraries are quickly implementing projects that allow users to take full advantage of digital resources. One approach is with web interfaces that: integrate all electronic resources; help the user to find information quickly through easy-to-use, familiar interfaces; permit cross-database searching rather than single-resource searching; and provide library-customized tools such as end-user borrowing. OCLC has two solutions that facilitate this type of integration: OCLC SiteSearch WebZ software and the WebExpress service. Another approach is in the creation of content. U.S. libraries are expanding their resources and using their expertise to create context for the vast array of digitized resources that generate new types of collections. In the U.S., libraries are in the middle of the digital resource explosion.