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Features

WorldCat.org, WorldCat Local and WorldCat Local “quick start” support single-search of OCLC electronic resource services, including functionality familiar to users of the separate service interfaces and new features not available in the FirstSearch, CAMIO or ArchiveGrid services. OCLC will continue to enhance the interface with the goal of making WorldCat.org, WorldCat Local and WorldCat Local “quick start” the primary interfaces to these services.

The search box provided for enhanced access was designed to meet the needs of today’s searchers who appreciate the single-search capability of many popular Web resources. More experienced searchers can take advantage of features offered through the advanced search option, including searches of database-specific fields and limits by characteristics such as language, format or audience.

Features of the enhanced access include:

  • Local configuration: Feature your library’s brand and content
    Library staff manage configuration of accounts at the local level through a new Service Configuration module.
    • Library-branded URL with the format <library name>.worldcat.org
      (WorldCat Local and WorldCat Local “quick start” libraries continue to use their existing branded URLs.)
    • Library-configured interface color and logo on interface
    • Library management of databases that display to users
    • Library-defined default database(s)
    • Library-managed direct links to individual databases
    • Library-defined database groups (“virtual databases”) of any number of available databases
  • Searching: Expanded options for faster, easier identification of needed resources
    • FirstSearch databases, CAMIO and ArchiveGrid display as discrete databases that can be searched alone or together
    • Results from all resources integrated in a single results list
    • Local library resources display first in search results when holdings are present in WorldCat
    • Content visible to users who search from a recognized IP address
    • Cross-database search of an unlimited number of databases
    • Refine search results using facets, including a new “Database” facet
    • Database-specific indexes in Advanced Search
    • Option to limit search results to your library’s resources
  • Delivery options: Users get what they need based on your delivery services and policies
    • Link directly to full text in a FirstSearch database or Electronic Collections Online eJournal
    • Link to an Open URL resolver to reach online full text you provide
    • User-initiated ILL requests
  • Social tools: Engage with a global community
    • Personal profiles
    • View ratings and reviews for items in WorldCat
    • View user-contributed tags for WorldCat resources
    • View user-generated lists of WorldCat resources
  • Authentication: Manage access to electronic resources
    • User authentication via IP address
    • Access for users who authenticate through a remote authentication system before linking to WorldCat.org or WorldCat Local.
    • Support for EZproxy authentication

On the horizon

OCLC plans ongoing enhancements for access to OCLC electronic resources with the goal of making WorldCat.org, WorldCat Local and WorldCat Local “quick start” the primary interface to these services.

Examples of planned enhancements include:

  • Authentication through Shibboleth and Athens
  • Authentication via secure referring URL
  • The ability to add content from electronic resources to lists
  • Consolidated database-level statistics of activity through the current interfaces and through WorldCat.org, WorldCat Local and WorldCat Local “quick start”