OCLC introduces new AI tools to make cataloging faster and smarter

Dublin, OH -- December 8, 2025. OCLC has added powerful new AI features to its WorldShare Record Manager and Connexion cataloging applications. These updates help catalogers by automatically suggesting classification numbers and subject headings, saving time and improving accuracy.

Catalogers can now see AI-generated suggestions for Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) numbers, Library of Congress Classification (LCC) numbers, and Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) as they create or edit records. The system draws on WorldCat data—built from hundreds of millions of library records—to make these intelligent recommendations.

Catalogers stay in full control. Each library can customize settings to decide which suggestions to see, and catalogers can accept or ignore them. Their choices help improve future recommendations, making the system smarter for everyone.

"OCLC is leading the way in using AI responsibly for libraries," said Mary Sauer-Games, Chief Product Officer, OCLC. "We're using technology to amplify human expertise, not replace it. AI and librarian knowledge together make cataloging faster, easier, and more reliable."

Cataloging can be one of the most time-consuming tasks in a library. Assigning subjects and classification numbers often takes detailed analysis. OCLC's new AI-powered support helps catalogers complete this work more efficiently while maintaining quality and consistency.

In pilot testing with libraries, catalogers reported saving up to 20 minutes per title. Many described the new AI tools as a helpful "safety net" that catches missed details and ensures records are more complete.

"These new tools are the result of close collaboration with the library community," said Sauer-Games. "We listened, tested, and refined together."

This innovation is part of OCLC's broader effort to apply AI responsibly across its services. OCLC already uses AI to identify duplicate records in WorldCat, provide reading recommendations on WorldCat.org, and speed up resource sharing by connecting users to the best available copies.

More about how OCLC is using AI to support libraries and enhance discovery is on the web page.

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.