COBISS

COBISS (Co-operative Online Bibliographic System and Services) is a library information system used primarily in Slovenia and other countries in the former Yugoslavia. It encompasses a shared cataloguing system, a union catalogue, local library systems, and various other services for libraries and their users.

COBISS allows participating libraries to contribute to a shared database of bibliographic records, ensuring that materials are catalogued only once, saving time and resources. The union catalogue provides a comprehensive overview of library holdings across multiple institutions, making it easier for users to locate resources. COBISS also supports interlibrary loan services, facilitating access to materials not available locally.

The system is managed and developed by the Institute of Information Science (IZUM) in Maribor, Slovenia. IZUM is responsible for maintaining the software, providing training and support to participating libraries, and promoting the use of COBISS within the region.

COBISS is crucial for resource sharing and improving access to information within the participating libraries and countries. Its standardized cataloguing practices and unified search interface have significantly enhanced library services in the region. It allows researchers, students, and the general public to efficiently discover and access a wide range of library resources.