This report on some of the strategic planning decisions that OCLC has made for the 21st century begins by describing the evolution of OCLC from a pioneer in the computer revolution with its Online Union Catalog and Shared Cataloging System in 1971 to a system that currently has nearly 60 distinct offerings. Corresponding computer and telecommunications advances are noted. The first of seven sections discusses ways in which the environment--e.g., economic conditions, rapidly changing information technology, and government initiatives--will affect OCLC's strategic directions. Ways in which libraries are meeting the challenges of the 21st century in the areas of access, ownership, and decentralization are described in the second section, and some general patterns that are emerging in the library environment are identified. An assessment of OCLC's major strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and risks is provided in the third section, and the fourth, fifth, and sixth sections present a strategic overview of OCLC's plans for providing further access to information via both traditional and new products and services for libraries and their users. A general planning strategy for the years 1990-1995 and a vision for the years 1995-2000 are also presented. The final section presents a profile of OCLC, including its history, mission, governance, finances, products and services, marketing channels, international connections, union catalog, new ventures, and research. The names, addresses, and telephone numbers of state and regional networks that contract to provide OCLC services and support to OCLC-member and participating libraries appear on the inside back cover of the report. Numerous color graphics and color photographs illustrate the text. (MAB)