Library Development

Automation Training and Support

OCLC (Online Computer Library Center) is a global library cooperative that supports thousands of libraries in making information more accessible and more useful to people around the world. Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) provides for free to Alabama public libraries the following OCLC Services: WorldShare Metadata Services, WorldShare Interlibrary Loan, FirstSearch, WorldCat Discovery, and WebJunction.

OCLC WorldCat is a comprehensive database of information about library collections from libraries around the world. OCLC WorldCat can be accessed through WorldShare Metadata Services (e.g. Connexion, CatExpress, Collection Manager), WorldShare Interlibrary Loan, FirstSearch, and WorldCat Discovery.

Connexion, CatExpress, and Collection Manager provide the tools for simple to expert online cataloging of physical and electronic titles. Complete information, documentation, and training can be found at (Metadata Services).

WorldShare ILL automates interlibrary loan borrowing and lending processes through the largest resource sharing network in the world to save staff time and to ensure timely delivery of items. Complete information, documentation, and training can be found at (WorldShare Interlibrary Loan).

Library users and staff can use FirstSearch and WorldCat Discovery to search the WorldCat database of electronic, digital, and physical resources along with a variety of databases including the STARS database of books and materials from Alabama (http://Alabama.worldcat.org). Complete information, documentation, and training on FirstSearch can be found at (FirstSearch) and WorldCat Discovery at (WorldCat Discovery).

WebJunction provides access to free courses and webinars on library related topics for public library staff. WebJunction helps public library staff to expand their knowledge on a wide variety of subjects. More information on WebJunction can be found at (WebJunction).

Evergreen was developed by the Georgia Public Library Service for their Public Information Network for Electronic Services (PINES) a statewide consortium in 2006. Evergreen is currently being used by over 1000 libraries worldwide with features such as Circulation, Cataloging, Statistical Reports, Acquisitions, Online Public Access Catalog (OPAC), Serials, and so much more.

Evergreen is an open source Integrated Library System (ILS) offered by the Alabama Public Library Service (APLS) free to Alabama public libraries. For more information contact the APLS IT helpdesk (helpdesk@apls.state.al.us) or 334-213-3986 for more information.