OCLC launches 'Ask a Librarian' pilot in Open WorldCat

DUBLIN, Ohio, USA,  20 June 2005 —OCLC has implemented a pilot project within the Open WorldCat program that allows Web searchers to submit questions to librarians through online reference services of OCLC member libraries.

The pilot builds on the Open WorldCat program, which makes records of library-owned materials in WorldCat, the world's richest database of such items, more visible and accessible to Web users through popular Internet search sites.

The reference pilot will connect Web searchers to librarians much like Open WorldCat is connecting Web searchers to library collections.  Once a searcher enters a postal code or other geographic identifier and receives Open WorldCat results listing nearby libraries that hold the item they're looking for, those libraries that offer online reference service display a question-mark icon.  Clicking the icon connects the searcher to that library's Web form where they can submit a reference question.

All libraries using the OCLC QuestionPoint platform, the virtual reference service supported by a network of cooperating libraries worldwide, are included in the pilot.  The pilot also includes approximately 150 other libraries that run virtual reference desks on other platforms and have provided reference links to OCLC.

"A significant number of reference questions come in to OCLC from Open WorldCat users through the Comment form in the service," said Chip Nilges, Executive Director, OCLC WorldCat Content & Global Access.  "So we have identified a need there.  OCLC has been responding to these questions through the QuestionPoint service, or through our own corporate library.  With this pilot in place, dedicated 'Ask a Librarian' links will allow users to interact directly with information specialists at a library near them."

The reference service pilot will last at least six months.  If it is successful, OCLC will consider expanding this reference service option to other online reference services in libraries around the world.

About OCLC
Headquartered in Dublin, Ohio, OCLC Online Computer Library Center is a nonprofit organization that has provided computer-based cataloging, reference, resource sharing and preservation services to 52,000 libraries in 96 countries and territories.  For more information, visit <www.oclc.org>.

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