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Frequently Asked Questions about the new user experience for FirstSearch

Preparation and Planning

Q. What changes will I need to make to my scripted access to databases now on FirstSearch?

A. You will no longer need to maintain scripted access. Instead, your library will use a new, library-specific URL that will not require Web scripts. Library staff can login to see staff-only features in the new experience.

Q. What does this new user experience mean if I also do resource sharing in FirstSearch?

A. A new service, WorldShare Interlibrary Loan, will replace WorldCat Resource Sharing in 2013.  This new service will initially be available in March 2013. Users of libraries that have enabled patron-initiated requesting through WorldShare Interlibrary Loan will search using the new user experience to identify materials they request through interlibrary loan.

Using the new service

Q. When should I transition my WorldCat searching from FirstSearch to the new user experience?

A. There is no single “right” time to move for every library. The new experience and the current FirstSearch interface will operate in parallel for 12 months to give you ample time to ensure a smooth transition for your staff and users.

Q. Do I control when my library moves to the new service?

A. Yes. You control the timing of your transition to the new user experience for FirstSearch. Your decision might be based on a number of factors: your related OCLC products and services, whether you subscribe through a group, the type of subscription you currently maintain and the geographic location of your library.

Q. My library uses FirstSearch to locate items we request via interlibrary loan through WorldCat Resource Sharing. How does the new WorldShare Interlibrary Loan service relate to beta testing of the new user experience for FirstSearch?

A. Beta testing of the new user experience for FirstSearch is taking place in parallel with the release of WorldShare Interlibrary Loan. OCLC has invited FirstSearch users to participate in beta testing of the FirstSearch user experience. WorldShare Interlibrary Loan is now available to libraries in the United States, and the new service will fully replace WorldCat Resource Sharing in December 2013.

If your library provides user-initiated interlibrary loan requesting for your users through the current FirstSearch service, you can continue to use FirstSearch with both WorldCat Resource Sharing and WorldShare Interlibrary Loan for the time being.

Your participation in beta testing of the new user experience for FirstSearch will not affect your use of WorldShare Interlibrary Loan in any way.

Q. My library is interested in participating in beta testing of the new user experience for FirstSearch, but we would like to limit participation to selected staff (primarily ILL). The rest of our staff will continue to search WorldCat through the current FirstSearch interface for the time being. Is this possible?

A. Yes.  New user accounts are being set up for use with WorldShare Interlibrary Loan and library staff access to the new user experience for FirstSearch. Your ILL staff members may set up their new accounts now. They may subsequently enable FirstSearch access through their new accounts.

After you establish new user accounts for use with WorldShare Interlibrary Loan, you may continue to access the current version of FirstSearch with your 9-digit authorization number and password for that service. 

Q. We use FirstSearch for our interlibrary loan, and don’t permit users to place their own requests. How does the transition timeline relate to my library?

A. If you wish to participate in beta testing of the new user experience for FirstSearch, this will not affect your use of OCLC’s interlibrary loan services.

Q. How does the new interface being developed for FirstSearch relate to WorldCat Local? From what I’ve seen, the new experience will be similar to WorldCat.org, which is a less customized version of the WorldCat Local interface.

A. Following release of the new user experience for FirstSearch, we plan to work on making enhancements to the WorldCat Local interface. As part of that process, we will invite members of the WorldCat Local community to participate in review and testing of these enhancements.

WorldCat Local librarians are welcome to register for beta access; however, they should keep in mind new WorldCat Local features will be released at a later time.

Support, Training and Documentation

Q. Who do I contact with support questions about the new experience?

A. Continue to contact OCLC Support that is appropriate for your region.

Q. Will training be provided for the new user experience?

A. Yes. Training materials and videos will be available to ensure a smooth transition to the new user experience.

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