VIAF (Virtual International Authority File)

Business Profile

Core Value Proposition

VIAF provides a single, OCLC-hosted name authority service by combining multiple name authority files, aiming to lower the cost and increase the utility of library authority data by matching and linking widely-used authority files and making that information available on the Web.

Target Customer

Libraries and library professionals (e.g., librarians, catalogers, library IT staff) who manage or use name authority data.

Key Differentiator

Consolidates multiple name authority files into one merged, web-accessible view hosted by OCLC, with a broad network of contributing libraries.

Implementation Timeline

Not disclosed

Pain Points

1Lower the cost of maintaining multiple name authority files.
2Increase the utility and usefulness of authority data by linking and reconciling widely-used authority files.
3Provide a unified, Web-accessible authority dataset across participating libraries.

Key Features

1Single, centralized name authority service that combines multiple authority files.
2Matching and linking of widely-used authority files across libraries.
3Web-accessible authority data hosted by OCLC.
4Extensive network of contributing libraries (VIAF Contributors).

Target Customer Industries

Decision Makers

1Librarian
2Cataloger
3Library IT Specialist
4Library Director

Client Results

1Lower cost and increased utility of library authority files.
2Unified authority data that can be accessed via the Web.

Competitive Advantages

1Aggregates authority data from many major libraries into one service.
2Hosted by OCLC, a recognized provider of library data services.
3Longstanding, wide institutional collaboration (VIAF Contributors).

Key Benefits

1Lower cost of managing authority data

2Increased utility through linking and harmonizing authority files

3Web-accessible data available to users across participating libraries

Additional Product Information

Product Description

A single, web-based, OCLC-hosted service that combines multiple name authority files into one merged authority dataset to improve reliability, consistency, and accessibility of authority data.

Target Market

Libraries (national, public, academic) and library networks that manage name authority information.

Unique Value Proposition

A unified, web-accessible authority dataset drawn from multiple libraries, reducing cost and increasing the usefulness of authority data.

Technical Requirements

Web-based service; hosted by OCLC; search interface available on VIAF pages.

Pricing Model

Not disclosed

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