OCLC launches WorldCat Mobile pilot
OCLC, the world's largest library cooperative, has launched a pilot program to make collections from libraries visible through mobile devices. The WorldCat Mobile pilot allows users to search for and find books and other materials available in libraries near them through a Web application they can access from a PDA or smartphone.
The pilot is based on WorldCat.org, the world's largest online resource for finding information in libraries. Advanced global positioning capabilities found in many smartphones and PDAs make it possible for users to find local library materials no matter where they happen to be. Users can even get a Google Maps view of the library location along with detailed driving instructions if the mobile device supports the application.
The pilot will gather data to inform and help shape future mobile access to WorldCat.org. The pilot is now available in the United States and Canada and is expected to last six months.
The WorldCat Mobile pilot allows users to:
- Search for library materials by entering search terms such as title, keywords or author
- Find a WorldCat library nearby by entering a ZIP, postal code or location in the Libraries Locator
- Call a library by highlighting and clicking the phone number in a library listing to place a call
- Map a route to find the fastest way to a WorldCat library using the mapping software already on a mobile device