02/29/12 ema

HAYS, Kan. -- Fort Hays State University's Forsyth Libraryis one of six libraries in the nation that will participate in a year-longresearch study conducted by the Online Computer Library Center (OCLC).

The research focuses on improving the access to print,electronic and digital resources. Forsyth Library will provide collection data,circulation data and information about the library to OCLC. In turn, OCLC willregister and provide access to Forsyth Library through WorldCat -- the world'slargest library catalog and a global network of library content and services --and syndicate the library's collections and services through partners such asGoogle Books.

The research project's purpose is to test and increase thediscoverability and access of collections on the World Wide Web, measure theefforts of library staff and increase the usage of the library and itscollections.

OCLC has cited the Forsyth Library Digital Collections websiteas a model site for digital collections based on its ease of access andquantity of diverse collections. Collections include the Digital Repository orSpace Exploration, the Stafford County Historical Museum Collection, theJohnson Collection, the George Sternberg Photo Albums and Negatives Collection,and the FHSU Art Collection as well as digital copies of academic journals andpast editions of The Reveille, the FHSU yearbook. The Forsyth digital collectionswebsite can be found at http://contentcat.fhsu.edu/cdm/.

"Our work with OCLC is a distinctive honor for thelibrary and the university," said John Ross, Forsyth Library director."The staff and I are very pleased to have this opportunity and are excitedabout the benefits that this research will provide for our students andfaculty."

"We believe the results of the study will be useful toall members of the OCLC cooperative," said OCLC's Bill Carney.

The OCLC is anonprofit, membership, computer library service and research organizationdedicated to the public purposes of furthering access to the world'sinformation and reducing information costs. OCLC and its member librariescooperatively produce and maintain WorldCat. OCLC research is one of theworld's leading centers devoted to exploration, innovation and communitybuilding on behalf of libraries, archives and museums.

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