Action for Libraries
RLG to Combine with OCLC
Two of the world's largest membership-based information organizations, RLG and OCLC, have agreed to come together. The combined organization will offer an integrated product and service line and give libraries, archives and museums new leverage in developing services, standards and software that will help them support research and disseminate knowledge online.
The RLG Board of Directors and OCLC Board of Trustees have recommended the merger effective July 1. If approved by RLG member institutions, RLG's online products and services will be integrated with OCLC products and services, and RLG's program initiatives will be brought forward as a new division of OCLC Programs and Research.
It is believed that a combined organization would provide an opportunity to leverage program strengths, services and innovative research initiatives, and to deliver more value to a greater number of libraries, museums and archives around the globe. RLG's offerings would be continued as RLG-Programs, a new division of OCLC Programs and Research that would provide programs to support architecture, standards development and best practices. Any change in RLG offerings will be announced in advance.
James Michalko, who currently leads RLG, would serve as vice president of RLG-Programs Development, working under the leadership of Lorcan Dempsey, vice president of Research and OCLC chief strategist. RLG-Programs would remain a membership-based organization.
RLG's online products and services would be integrated with OCLC service offerings as appropriate. The potential for increased services and consolidation of costs would result in overall savings. For example, RLIN, the RLG Union Catalog, would be integrated into WorldCat, benefitting members of both RLG and OCLC.
Approval of the agreement requires the assent of two-thirds of voting RLG member institutions. Voting will conclude in early June.