Bridging knowledge, connecting libraries | | Dear colleagues,
As this new issue reaches you, I want to take the opportunity to extend my warmest wishes on the occasion of Eid al-Adha.
This has been a period of unexpected change, but our commitment to supporting our partners across the region remains stronger than ever. I am also pleased to share some exciting news: our Middle East team is growing! Victoria El-Rahi has joined us as Library Consultant, and Joseph Mhanna has also come on board as an Account Manager. Both are experienced librarians and information technology specialists ready to support libraries of all types across the
region.
In this issue, we explore how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping cataloging workflows, with a particular focus on Arabic metadata. We also return to the Arabic Discovery Catalog, more than two years since its launch, with a live demonstration planned in our upcoming webinar. I hope you will join us.
Warm regards,
Omar Farhoud
Sales Manager, Middle East
OCLC | | | | |
In this issue, you will find: | | | | | | | | | AI and Arabic metadata: opportunities and limitsRecent discussions on the OCLC Research blog have examined how AI is beginning to reshape cataloging and metadata workflows. These conversations, however, are often grounded in English-language environments. Arabic metadata workflows are not edge cases; they represent daily operational realities across academic, national, and public libraries in the region, shaped by multilingual practice, script diversity, and questions of representation. They offer a useful lens through which to assess both the opportunities and the limitations of AI in library systems. |
| | | | | | Unlocking the future of e-resource managementElectronic resource management has become one of the most pressing strategic challenges for libraries. Budgets are under pressure, open access is expanding, and hybrid publishing models are increasing operational complexity, while users continue to expect consistent discovery across a growing digital landscape.
OCLC's latest report presents a practical framework for e-resource strategy, with approaches libraries can implement now. | | | | | | | New AI
tools to support cataloging workflowsIn case you missed it, OCLC has integrated new AI features into WorldShare Record Manager and Connexion. Catalogers can now receive automated suggestions for Dewey Decimal Classification, Library of Congress Classification numbers, and Library of Congress Subject Headings during record creation and editing, generated from WorldCat data.
Libraries retain full control over which suggestions are displayed, and catalogers decide whether to accept them. | | | | | | |
Choreo Insights: library collection analyticsHow well do you know your collection? And how does it compare within your regional and national library ecosystem? Choreo Insights, OCLC's decision support solution, gives library leaders the intelligence they need to align collections with institutional priorities, respond to curriculum needs, and plan strategically for the future.
Watch this 30-minute demonstration to see how Choreo Insights can help you identify collection strengths and gaps, optimize your physical footprint, and leverage dynamic WorldCat data for smarter decision-making. | | | | | | | OCLC self-paced trainingThe full catalog of OCLC training content is available at any time through the self-paced training page on the OCLC support site. The resources cover a wide range of OCLC solutions and services and are accessible to both current users and those seeking a broader understanding of OCLC tools and workflows.
The end of the academic year offers a practical opportunity to explore available training and build on existing knowledge. | |
| | | | | | | | |  | | Upcoming webinar:
Putting Arabic library collections into the global spotlight:
A live overview of the Arabic Discovery Catalog
Monday, 15 June · 11:00 AM (KSA)
Online webinar (Webex) · 1 hour duration
Conducted in Arabic
More than two years after its launch, the Arabic Discovery Catalog (ADC) remains a dedicated platform for
improving the visibility of Arabic language collections and integrating library resources into regional and international discovery networks.
This one-hour session will include a presentation of the ADC and its features, a live demonstration of the platform, and a Q&A with the OCLC team.
Participants who are new to the ADC and those already familiar with the platform are welcome to attend.
Register
(event page in English)
Register (event page in Arabic)
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