Hanging Together - the OCLC Research blog

Drawing of the London Bridge under construction.

Activating URIs in linky MARC: an OCLC RLP discussion summary

March 20, 2025March 20, 2025 - by Annette Dortmund - Leave a Comment

As libraries work to a linked data future there are challenges in activating URIs within MARC records due to time constraints, tool limitations, and uncertainty about user needs. In a recent OCLC RLP discussion, metadata experts explored the technical, social, and AI-driven aspects of integrating linked data into library workflows.

Woman stands in front of a colorful tapestry reading a book.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI) / Miscellaneous

Advancing IDEAs: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, 18 March 2025

March 18, 2025March 18, 2025 - by Merrilee Proffitt - Leave a Comment

In this edition: Women’s History Month; elders in libraries; research on diversity in librarianship; ALA President shares experience with autism.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI)

Advancing IDEAs: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, 4 March 2025

March 4, 2025March 4, 2025 - by Merrilee Proffitt - Leave a Comment

In this edition: DEI-related presentations from Core Interest Group Week; axe-con 2025, a free online accessibility conference; “neo-censorship” of digital content.

Dragon head of a Mardi Gras float appears to devour the Smithsonian Castle at the 1985 American Folklife Festival

Archives and Special Collections / Metadata

Navigating the future of special collections metadata by using insights from the past

March 3, 2025March 3, 2025 - by Kate James - 1 Comment

Looking back on the report The Metadata IS the Interface, this post explores how user-centered metadata, linked data, and emerging technologies can bridge the gap between archival discovery and researcher expectations—making special collections more accessible than ever.

Higher Education Future / Library Futures / Research Library Partnership

OCLC Research: evolving for greater impact

February 28, 2025February 28, 2025 - by Constance Malpas - Leave a Comment

OCLC Research is undergoing a strategic realignment to enhance its impact on the library community by expanding its research agenda, improving program alignment, and recruiting new leadership with expertise in AI, emerging technologies, and broad knowledge of the higher education sector.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI)

Advancing IDEAs: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, 18 February 2025

February 18, 2025February 18, 2025 - by Merrilee Proffitt - Leave a Comment

In this edition: Earliest known African American cookbook; WebJunction webinar on neuroinclusive library workplaces; documentaries focus on libraries.

Open Access

Building connections with publishers to bridge the OA discovery gap

February 6, 2025February 6, 2025 - by Claire Holloway - Leave a Comment

Explore how libraries and publishers can collaborate to improve Open Access discoverability, breaking down barriers with better metadata, seamless access, and trust.

Color photograph of a wall of framed gold and platinum records.

Libraries / Research Library Partnership

Research rewind: reflections on hits from our back catalog

February 5, 2025March 3, 2025 - by Chela Scott Weber - 1 Comment

Over the next several months we are taking a look at the OCLC Research oeuvre, highlighting work that has stood the test of time, and discussing why these outputs were influential at the time of publication, and how they remain relevant and important.

A digital graphic features a collage of book covers related to African American librarianship. The central focus is a white rectangular box with bold black text that reads 'HISTORY OF AFRICAN AMERICAN LIBRARIANS.' To the left, a vertical purple bar contains the text 'KNOW MORE: WORLDCAT.ORG.' The book covers in the background display a mix of colors, typography, and imagery, including historical photographs, decorative patterns, and illustrations.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion (EDI)

Advancing IDEAs: Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, 4 February 2025

February 4, 2025February 4, 2025 - by Merrilee Proffitt - Leave a Comment

In this edition: Black History Month and Black librarians; 2025 Day of Remembrance; the facts about book bans.

Research Library Partnership / Resource Sharing / SHARES

ILL across borders: Insights from SHARES on sharing physical materials internationally

January 29, 2025January 29, 2025 - by Dennis Massie - Leave a Comment

In the face of ever-rising costs, customs hurdles, and logistical headaches, the SHARES community came together to tackle the enduring challenges of international interlibrary loan—proving once again that uncertainty is best met with collaboration, creativity, and a little ILL magic.