Governance

OCLC is governed by the members it serves.

OCLC's governance structure consists of Members and Governing Members, the Members Council and the Board of Trustees.

Governing Members of OCLC have the privilege of electing representatives to the Members Council. Any OCLC Member or Governing Member may serve on Members Council, but only Governing Members nominate and determine (by vote) who serves. Learn more about Members and Governing Members.

The Members Council is comprised of 60 delegates plus six international transitional delegates who reflect and articulate the interests of member institutions that participate in OCLC through qualifying regional service providers. Delegates come from many types and sizes of libraries, bringing different perspectives to the Members Council. The Members Council meets three times annually. Learn more about Members Council.

The 15-member Board of Trustees possesses powers similar to those of university trustees. In addition to the six Members Council-elected members, the Board consists of the President of OCLC and eight trustees elected by the Board itself, five of whom come from fields outside librarianship. The Board meets five times annually. Learn more about the Board of Trustees in About OCLC.

Governance Study

The Governance Study Committee has submitted its report to the OCLC Board of Trustees.

OCLC Board Launches Governance Study

Governance Study Committee: Final Report to the OCLC Board of Trustees

The Higher Education Consultancy Group: Final Report