UPDATE: New Discussion Document from OCLC: Libraries at Webscale
The document examines some of the ways in which the Web has impacted information seeking, and how new cloud-based, Webscale services are now at the center of many users’ educational and learning lives. This document contains views of library leaders and insights from trend watchers* who write about the future of the Web.
We interviewed dozens of library leaders about the future of libraries and key challenges and opportunities they face today and will face in 2016. Their ideas and quotes are presented and distilled in the report and to provide specific thoughts as to the need for “radical cooperation” in library services. Librarians from a wide variety of library types, across a worldwide geography were consulted. Surprisingly, though, their top concerns and aspirations were often in agreement, regardless of library size, location and type.
The document includes brief essays by Kevin Kelly, Seth Godin, James G. Neal, the OCLC Global Council and Others.
OCLC Announces Launch of WorldShare Platform and Brand
We have WorldCat and we now, new today, we have WorldShare, a new brand from OCLC.
According to OCLC, WorldShare illustrates OCLC’s, “commitment to greater collaboration in library service delivery.” In other words, apps built by 
libraries, partners, and direct from OCLC can be easily shared with the entire library community. Additionally, all of this is done is a cloud-based environment.***
The company also says the new platform, will enable, “library developers, partners and other organizations to create, configure and share a wide range of applications that deliver new functionality and value for libraries and their users.”
What’s New and What’s Coming
- This Week: Launch of New Data Center in UK
- Coming Soon: WorldShare App Gallery
- Coming in 2012: New Data Centers in Central Europe, Australia and Canada
Services
- WorldCat name is not changing and will not be rebranded into WorldShare
- Webscale Management Services rebranded as WorldShare Management (Circulation, Acquisitions and License Management)
- Over time, OCLC will bring together additional OCLC services and applications under the OCLC WorldShare name, including resource sharing, consortial borrowing, metadata management and additional applications. OCLC’s currently deployed library management solutions will continue to be maintained and enhanced in line with libraries’ ongoing requirements under their current brand names.
Quote
“OCLC WorldShare provides a Web-based platform for collective innovation across shared services, integrated applications and streamlined library workflows,” said Mr. Jordan. “In combination with WorldCat, OCLC WorldShare will support the work of libraries of all types to collaborate in new, more efficient ways, reduce operating costs and provide greatly enhanced user experiences.”
***Definitions
So, what does the term webscale mean? Is it synonymous with “the cloud?” OCLC says the cloud is a PART of webscale definition.
Webscale requires more than operating in the cloud. Webscale providers leverage the cloud to provide access to platforms, services and analytics that allow organizations to collectively create new value through shared resources and broad collaboration. Operating at Webscale creates network effects—increased visibility, efficiencies and impact that cannot be achieved by any single organization.
For libraries, the difference between cloud computing and Webscale is the network effect of cooperation, for instance, what libraries experience when they create and share catalog records. For management services, the items shared might be policies, acquisitions activity and trends, vendor information, or local library highlights. The possibilities are far-reaching for the impact of global cooperation on local decision making.
Read the Complete Announcement
Learn More Direct from OCLC
See Also: WorldShare Introductory Video
About Gary Price
