New national cataloging platform for libraries in Japan is launched using OCLC's Syndeo
OCLC's Syndeo services implemented to modernize NACSIS-CAT/ILL system
DUBLIN, Ohio, 30 March 2023—The National Institute of Informatics has successfully launched a new national cataloging platform for 1,300 libraries in Japan. OCLC's Syndeo metadata software services were implemented to modernize the NACSIS-CAT/ILL service, which supports cataloging and interlibrary loan in Japan, and to facilitate national and international library collaboration.
The launch marks the conclusion of a two-year implementation project supported by Kinokuniya Company, OCLC's distributing partner in Japan, that has delivered on time and to plan. The new system accommodates multiple metadata types, including MARC21 and CAT-P, a unique format used in Japan.
"As globalization and digitization of science information accelerates, it is important that NII's metadata service modernizes to better serve Japanese library communities and their patrons," said Professor Kento Aida, who oversees this project for the Cyber Science Infrastructure Development Department at NII. "We are confident that the new system will greatly enhance discovery and access."
The introduction of OCLC's Syndeo to underpin cataloging workflows offers the potential to exchange metadata internationally and raise the visibility of Japanese research. It will also facilitate a new interlibrary loan service in Japan.
"Having a strong and robust metadata infrastructure is essential to support the vision of finding and accessing information. This has been a major undertaking, and we are delighted to have successfully concluded this initial phase," said Skip Prichard, OCLC President and CEO. "The new NACSIS-CAT/ILL provides a technological platform upon which many more capabilities can be introduced."
NACSIS-CAT/ILL has been in operation since 1985, supporting cataloging and interlibrary loan operations of Japanese libraries. The globalization of academic research and the digital shift of academic information management led to a tender being issued in 2021 to modernize the existing infrastructure, which resulted in OCLC becoming a development partner. The new platform is now available.
About NII
The National Institute of Informatics (NII), under the Inter-University Research Institute Corporation/Research Organization of Information and Systems, is the only academic research institute in Japan dedicated to creating future value in informatics, a new academic field. From the basic theory of informatics to cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence, big data, internet of things, and information security, NII carries out long-term basic research as well as practical studies that attempt to address current social issues.
In parallel, NII develops and operates services of the essential academic information infrastructures used by the entire academic research community in Japan for research and education; it builds and operates the Science Information NETwork (SINET6) on one hand and provides academic content and service platforms on the other hand. The bilateral feedback cycle between the findings gained from the service operations and from the academic research generates cutting-edge technologies, which are utilized in the service.
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.
OCLC, Syndeo, WorldCat, and WorldShare are trademarks and/or service marks of OCLC, Inc. Third-party product, service and business names are trademarks and/or service marks of their respective owners.
