16 October 2007: National Library extends global reach
The National Library of New Zealand has signed a partnership agreement on behalf of New Zealand libraries, with an American organisation that boasts the biggest collaborative library catalogue in the world.
The Online Computer Library Centre (OCLC), a non-profit library organisation based in Dublin, has 57,000 member libraries from 112 countries and more than 84 million records in its catalogue. The benefits of a deal that allows New Zealand libraries better access to the world's information are huge; they will be able to locate, acquire, catalogue, lend and preserve library materials from the farthest reaches of the globe.
All libraries that are members of Te Puna Services can now access the OCLC catalogue, called WorldCat. In turn, all records of items in New Zealand libraries (the National Union Catalogue) have been transferred to WorldCat. Every night, the National Union Catalogue's new "holdings" are transferred to WorldCat and vice versa.
National Library Chief Executive and National Librarian Penny Carnaby hails the partnership as "another significant step forward in terms of the Government's Digital Strategy, in particular, the New Zealand Digital Content Strategy with its aim of connecting New Zealanders with information important to their lives".
"This is a very exciting development for New Zealand libraries as it means that our libraries will have access to a great range of material, and that the rich holdings of New Zealand libraries will become accessible to web users around the world."
OCLC has a strong development programme and is highly regarded for its in-depth research about topics that benefit libraries.
The National Library is recognised for its strong collaborative relationships with other libraries and organisations worldwide. This partnership is part of its strategy to expand access to a wide range of information to meet the changing needs of New Zealanders.
For more information
Serene Ambler
Communications Adviser
Phone +64 4 474 3092
Fax +64 4 474 3011
