Leiden 12 September 2008 – OCLC has acquired Amlib, the Australian software development organisation specialising in library management solutions.
Amlib, based in Rowville (Victoria) and Perth, Australia, serves libraries in Australia, Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States. The Amlib library management solution is particularly popular amongst school, public and special libraries, because of the combination of comprehensive functionality, high reliability and attractive pricing. It further complements the existing OCLC portfolio of integrated library management systems, a market where OCLC has established a strong presence in recent years.
As a result of the acquisition, 11 Amlib staff members will become part of the OCLC Australia office, under the direction of Chris Thewlis, who was named Regional Manager, OCLC Australia, in July. Mr. Thewlis has more than 20 years experience with library management systems as a product manager, in business development, and as a librarian.
OCLC will continue to maintain the Amlib Support & Development office in Perth, Australia, to support customers throughout Australia, and will provide support for other locations through its established distributor and customer service network.
"The acquisition of Amlib will expand OCLC’s range of products and services available to libraries in Australia and other parts of the world," said Andrew H. Wang, Vice President, OCLC Asia Pacific. "The addition of Amlib staff to the OCLC Australia office will offer an opportunity for all to share knowledge and expertise and ensure that Australian libraries can benefit from an expanded collection of services available through OCLC."
"OCLC is committed to providing continued support and development to benefit the Amlib user community," said Trevor Dykstra, Manager, Amlib Operations. "As a worldwide membership organization, OCLC is dedicated to helping libraries thrive with the best technology has to offer. We believe this is an ideal fit."
