OCLC, headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, is a nonprofit global library cooperative that provides various products and services to libraries and information professionals. Founded in 1967, OCLC started as the Ohio College Library Center, a collaborative effort by colleges and universities in Ohio to share computerized library catalogs. Over the years, it expanded its services and membership to become an international organization.

Today, OCLC offers several main products and services. One of the most prominent offerings is WorldCat, a global catalog of library collections accessible to member libraries and their patrons. WorldShare, another key product, is a cloud-based platform that enables libraries to collaborate, manage workflows, and provide online access to resources.

The organization also provides services related to cataloging, resource sharing, and metadata management. Operating on a global scale, OCLC has formed notable partnerships and joint ventures. It works with library consortia, national libraries, and other organizations to enhance library services worldwide.

OCLC's subsidiary, OCLC EMEA, serves libraries in Europe, Middle East, and Africa, while OCLC Asia Pacific caters to the needs of libraries in the Asia-Pacific region. OCLC holds a prominent market position as a provider of library services globally. With its extensive network of member libraries and its comprehensive suite of products, it is considered a leader in the library community.

OCLC's WorldCat is the world's largest network of library content and services, supporting innovation and resource sharing among libraries. Over the years, OCLC has witnessed significant milestones and achievements. It has expanded its services, acquired companies like COLIS and H.

W. Wilson, and launched initiatives like the WebJunction program to provide professional development for library staff. OCLC has also been actively involved in digitization efforts, preservation projects, and collaborative research ventures.

Currently, OCLC continues to evolve and adapt to the changing needs of libraries and information professionals. It focuses on innovations in library technology, metadata management, and resource sharing. OCLC remains committed to its mission of advancing access to knowledge through collaboration and shared resources for libraries around the world