FirstSearch®
Online reference
FirstSearch provides access to a core collection of reference databases. The FirstSearch Base Package includes WorldCat as well as other databases such as CAMIO, Electronic Books and OAIster. Users of WorldCat.org and WorldCat Local can access these FirstSearch databases through a user-friendly single-search box.
The Future of FirstSearch
OCLC is bringing the user-friendly features of WorldCat.org together with the precision searching of FirstSearch, valued by library staff and expert researchers, to provide a better user experience for libraries using the FirstSearch service. The goal is to provide a unified, consistent and contemporary search experience that fits users’ expectations for modern, simple content discovery, while maintaining the expert capabilities for staff.
Underlying FirstSearch is the WorldCat database, the most comprehensive and up-to-date bibliographic resource available. Your users will find relevant records quickly and the location of resources—in your collection or at other libraries—with the click of a button. Users can start and refine searches at one of three different skill levels. And you have the ability to customize many aspects of the experience.
FirstSearch easily integrates into your current library resources. Your subscription includes everything you need to start using FirstSearch and promote it to your users. And a variety of support options make it easy to find answers. FirstSearch's purchase options help you stay within budget, and its functionality can be extended to include other OCLC services such as Interlibrary Loan.
Your subscription to WorldCat on FirstSearch includes WorldCat Local "quick start"—delivering local and global resources in a single search—at no additional charge. WorldCat Local "quick start" gives you a library-branded view of WorldCat.org with your library's holdings ranked first in search results.
The Future of OCLC Cataloging, ILL and Discovery at Webscale
19 minutes
OCLC's Mindy Pozenel provides an update on plans for the future of FirstSearch and OCLC¹s Discovery services in 2013.
“We value the FirstSearch interface, since it has numerous bells and whistles. Context-sensitive help is readily available for each search mode, function and feature.”
Two Library Journal reviewers, October 2006