Prepare your data and configure the service

Preparing your data

WorldCat Local pulls data from several sources and interoperates with many of your library's existing systems.  If your holdings are current in WorldCat, then you're all set. If not, updating and/or reindexing your local MARC records is fast and easy. Just contact OCLC to initiate a retrospective batchload project at no charge. ^* After OCLC receives your records, batchload projects take about 30 working days. If you already batchload, confirm that your updates occur daily. Your WorldCat Local can then retrieve real-time location and availability information from your local catalog and let users place holds.

*A one-time reclamation project is included at no charge for libraries that have not initiated such a project since July 1, 2005.

You may also need to make sure that the OCLC Control Number is consistently indexed in the same field of all MARC records and is prefixed in a consistent way. This is the matchpoint between WorldCat Local and your local system for retrieving real-time availability and placing local holds.

For more information on getting your records data prepared for WorldCat Local "quick start," attend a batchload webinar or view a recent recording.

Configuring the service

You can configure a range of features and branding elements for your library's unique WorldCat Local "quick start" service. Weekly configuration Webinars explain how to add familiar local touches, and how to configure settings to reflect local policies. We've also provided a written guide to OCLC Service Configuration.

As you go through the configuration process, the service configuration checklist can be your guide to thinking through many of the branding, policy, and workflow decisions that are represented by questions in OCLC Service Configuration. Several video tutorials are also available on specific customization topics such as configuring search options, OpenURL resolvers, ILS support and maintenance and more.

If you have a question that isn’t answered in these materials, or have any problems resolving an issue, don’t hesitate to use the chat box on the " Next steps" page.

Once your holdings are current in WorldCat and you’ve configured the service for your local needs, it’s time to “ Go!"