DUBLIN, Ohio, 26 June 2025. OCLC is using artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and advanced data analysis to deliver faster, smarter resource sharing solutions for libraries worldwide.

First launched in 2020 as automation tools powered by data and machine learning, OCLC's latest smart fulfillment features now incorporate cutting-edge AI. The latest smart fulfillment enhancements optimize interlibrary loan (ILL) processes, enabling libraries to deliver items faster while reducing staff workload.

"Integrating AI into our resource sharing services is another step in our continuing innovation for libraries," said Skip Prichard, OCLC President and CEO. "AI works best with human insight—and that's exactly what we bring. With years of experience managing library data, we're using AI to make resource sharing smarter and faster, helping libraries meet growing user expectations."

AI-powered smart fulfillment allows OCLC's resource sharing systems to select the fastest, most reliable library lender in real time, meeting growing user demands for speed and reliability.

Recent enhancements to OCLC's smart fulfillment capabilities include:

• Intelligent timing: AI and machine learning identify lenders based on real-time activity, ensuring requests are routed to libraries most likely to fulfill them quickly. This dynamic approach reduces the time ILL staff spend reviewing requests, speeding delivery for users.
• Knowledge base coverage check: Automatically declines copy requests that fall outside a library's WorldCat knowledge base coverage range and license terms. This streamlines workflows by preventing staff from spending time on ineligible requests, allowing teams to focus on requests they are equipped to fulfill.

At the core of these advancements is OCLC's resource sharing network—the largest network of its kind—connecting thousands of libraries worldwide. By using AI to predict the best fulfillment pathways, libraries are increasing the likelihood of fulfillment on the first lender attempt.

OCLC's resource sharing services, including Tipasa, ILLiad, WorldShare ILL, along with its newest solution, OCLC Resource Sharing for Groups, now incorporate AI-powered capabilities to automate steps, reduce processing time by 50 percent, and improve delivery speed. By analyzing historical patterns and real-time data, these smart fulfillment features dynamically identify the fastest and most efficient options.

As part of OCLC's commitment to smarter workflows, two additional smart fulfillment capabilities demonstrate how libraries are saving time and improving delivery speeds:

• Enhanced requestability is an AI-powered feature included with OCLC's Resource Sharing for Groups, a consortial borrowing solution available now. It simplifies workflows for group members by automatically checking item availability and lending policies before routing requests. This ensures that requests are sent only to libraries equipped to fulfill them.
• OCLC's Express digital delivery program uses data-driven insights to connect libraries that deliver articles and digital resources within an average of 10 hours. Express offers unmatched speed, reliability, and breadth of materials as part of a library's subscription.

Learn more about OCLC's smart fulfillment, powered by AI, and more about AI at OCLC on the website.

About OCLC

OCLC is a nonprofit global library organization that provides shared technology services, original research, and community programs so that libraries can better fuel learning, research, and innovation. Through OCLC, member libraries cooperatively produce and maintain WorldCat, the most comprehensive global network of data about library collections and services. Libraries gain efficiencies through OCLC's WorldShare, a complete set of library management applications and services built on an open, cloud-based platform. It is through collaboration and sharing of the world's collected knowledge that libraries can help people find answers they need to solve problems. Together as OCLC, member libraries, staff, and partners make breakthroughs possible.