Source : Free On-Line Dictionary of Computing

Online Computer Library Center, Inc.
     
         (OCLC) A nonprofit membership organisation offering
        computer-based services and research to libraries, educational
        organisations, and their users.  OCLC operates the OCLC
        Cataloging PRISM service for cataloging and resource sharing,
        provides on-line reference systems for both librarians and
        end-users, and distributes on-line electronic journals.
        OCLC's goals are to increase the availability of library
        resources and reduce library costs for the fundamental public
        purpose of furthering access to the world's information.  The
        OCLC library information network connects more than 10,000
        36,000 libraries worldwide.  Libraries use the OCLC System for
        cataloguing, interlibrary loan, collection development,
        bibliographic verification, and reference searching.  Their
        most visible feature is the OCLC Online Union Catalog (OLUC)
        WorldCat (the OCLC Online Union Catalog).
     
        {Home (http://www.oclc.org/)}.
     
        (2000-03-23)