University of KwaZulu-Natal is now Live with OCLC WorldShare Management Services

UKZN becomes the first African institution to implement Online Computer Library Center (OCLC’s) cloud-based library management services.

The University is now using OCLC WorldShare Management Services as its library management system.

WorldShare Management Services (WMS) provide cloud-based library management and discovery applications in an integrated suite. WMS offers librarians a cost-effective way to manage workflows efficiently, and improve access to library collections and services for their users.

‘WorldShare Management Services offer a global, cooperatively managed knowledge base, and helps us widen access to learning, research and innovation, for both our local and overseas scholars,’ said Joyce Myeza, Acting Library Director. ‘WMS enables us to deliver infrastructure and support services designed around their learning needs.’

‘The cost of maintaining our previous library system was becoming unsustainable,’ said Myeza. ‘This, combined with a desire to provide consolidated access to all of our resources and make better use of our collections budget, played a key role in our decision to implement WMS.’

‘OCLC is excited to welcome the University of KwaZulu-Natal to the WMS community,’ said Eric van Lubeek, Managing Director, OCLC Europe, Middle East and Africa. ‘One of the institution’s strategic objectives is to establish efficient, effective management systems for students. We are delighted that the university saw WMS as a way to achieve this for its many library users.’

OCLC works in conjunction with its local partner, Sabinet, in the African region. Sabinet provided implementation support and training for UKZN and will be providing ongoing support for WMS in Africa. ‘We are pleased to have played a significant role in this project,’ said Ros Hattingh, Managing Director of Sabinet. ‘Sabinet has worked with OCLC for years and the successful implementation of WMS at the University of KwaZulu-Natal is a result of this strong partnership.’

More than 300 libraries on four continents-Africa, Australia, Europe and North America are currently using OCLC WorldShare Management Services to gain efficiencies and improve usability in library services and end-user discovery.

More about WorldShare Management Services is on the OCLC website.