OCLC Report on Social Networking

OCLC just released a report called Sharing, Privacy and Trust in Our Networked World, which addresses social networking and what role libraries may play in this area. Based on their earlier reports, I'm sure it will present fascinating research.

College students' perceptions of the library

OCLC (the Online Computer Library Center) published a report in 2005 on college students' perceptions of the library. It talks about their library usage and their awareness of library resources. Also discusses internet search engines vs. libraries and librarians and the "library brand." Useful for academic librarian wannabes and others...

Here are a couple of other reports published by OCLC, along with descriptions from the website:

2003 Environmental Scan: Pattern Recognition
The 2003 OCLC Environmental Scan: Pattern Recognition report was produced for OCLC’s worldwide membership to examine the significant issues and trends impacting OCLC, libraries, museums, archives and other allied organizations, both now and in the future. The scan provides a high-level view of the information landscape, intended both to inform and stimulate discussion about future strategic directions.

Libraries: How They Stack Up
Libraries: How They Stack Up, released in 2003, provides a snapshot of the economic impact of libraries worldwide. The report contains some interesting comparisons of library economics and activies to other sectors, professions and destinations in the global economy.