Dynamic OPAC linking to WorldCat.org for "Nearby Libraries" results

Many libraries have begin to add dynamic linking from item records in their online catalogs to corresponding information on WorldCat.org. By using a URL syntax that builds a WorldCat link on-the-fly around an ISBN, ISSN or OCLC Number, their OPACs give a user the option to search other nearby libraries when an item is unavailable locally.

The Santa Monica Public Library has implemented the linking solution described above: Each item record in its Web catalog includes a "Check nearby libraries" WorldCat link (right) which is dynamically generated using the ISBN for the displayed item. SMPL's implementation of the syntax includes geographic limiting by the library's postal ZIP code, so the WorldCat page reached via the link presents results that start with libraries in neighboring communities.

Watch SMPL's Flash tutorial with audio narration that demonstrates the "Check nearby libraries" link to WorldCat Web results

Libraries with dynamic WorldCat linking

Here are some of the libraries that have integrated dynamic WorldCat links with ILS systems from popular vendors. Visit their sites to try a search and see these links in action.

Endeavor Voyager

• University of Hawaii System
• University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
• Clark University, Worcester, Mass.
• Iona College, New Rochelle, N.Y.
• Naugatuck Valley Community College, Waterbury, Conn.

Sirsi iBistro

• Santa Monica Public Library
• Chandler Public Library, Chandler, Ariz.

Sirsi-Dynix WebCat

• University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada

Other ILS systems

• San Antonio Public Library
• Stanford Graduate School of Business
• Northern Kentucky University
• United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, Washington, D.C.
• Peace Palace Library, The Hague, Netherlands
• State of Montana Library System

Also see: Enabling "deep" links to your OPAC from WorldCat.org item records