The Virtual International Authority File, or VIAF, is a collaborative project that combines multiple name authority files into a single database. It helps to standardize the names of authors, organizations, and other entities, making it easier to find and cite works across different libraries and institutions. VIAF is maintained by the OCLC and several national libraries, including the Library of Congress. By linking various authority records, VIAF enhances the discoverability of information and supports bibliographic control in the digital age, facilitating better access to resources for researchers and the public.