OCLC obtains cloudLibrary, expanding its digital library offerings.
Revamped Article:
Say hello to a new chapter for digital content, as global library cooperative OCLC takes over cloudLibrary on April 2. This platform offers a treasure trove of digital content across libraries, now under OCLC's wings.
The deal also reveals the assets of the Digital Solutions Group of Bibliotheca getting wrapped up in it. Matthew Bellamy, President of Bibliotheca, has given it a thumbs up, assuring a hitch-free integration of cloudLibrary with OCLC's products. And yes, Bibliotheca is part of our very own site's distribution network.
For our site's authors and publishers, here's a heads up: the takeover won't mess with the financial or operational aspects. But ensure that the cloudLibrary and our site's branding, including logos and names, get a refresh to reflect this exciting new era.
cloudLibrary, a trusted pal for nearly 500 libraries spread across 20 countries, is a digital goldmine with millions of ebooks, audiobooks, news services, magazines, comics, and more – all available in over 50 languages.
Its user-friendly mobile app ensures library members get easy access, while the web portal takes care of managing digital content subscriptions for library staff.
But what about implications for authors, publishers, and the digital content industry as a whole? Here's the scoop:
Author's Perspective:
- Increased Visibility: cloudLibrary, now part of OCLC's extensive networks like WorldCat, can put your digital work in front of a larger audience, boosting visibility and reaching more readers.
- Royalties and Compensation: As contracts and payment terms may adjust with the digital lending models, authors need to stay updated and ready to negotiate or re-arrange terms regarding their compensation.
Publisher's Perspective:
- Digital Distribution: More robust distribution channels for digital content can lead to increased exposure and sales with libraries.
- Content Management: Publishers have to manage their content more effectively across cloudLibrary and other platforms, ensuring proper cataloging, discoverability, and updates within OCLC’s systems.
Digital Content Industry:
- Shift to Digital: The expansion of cloudLibrary's services, including video titles, highlights the ongoing shift towards digital consumption, potentially pushing the industry away from traditional physical media and towards digital content distribution.
- Library and User Engagement: Increased access to digital content through libraries could lead to boosted engagement and borrowing rates. This could pave the way for new business models centered around digital lending and subscriptions rather than traditional sales.
- Collaboration and Integration: The successful integration of cloudLibrary within OCLC hints at a future where digital platforms and library systems collaborate more intimately, driving innovation in the creation, distribution, and consumption of digital content across different sectors.
So there you have it, folks. OCLC's acquisition and integration of cloudLibrary represent a major leap in the digital transformation of libraries and the content industry. Stay tuned for updates!
- In the digital content industry, the acquisition of cloudLibrary by OCLC could lead to increased visibility for authors as their works may now be accessible through OCLC's extended networks like WorldCat, potentially reaching a larger audience.
- The integration of cloudLibrary with OCLC's products could also impact smartphone users, as they might find a wider variety of digital content such as ebooks, audiobooks, and more available on their smartphones' gadgets, thanks to the enhanced user-friendly mobile app offered by cloudLibrary.
