WorldCat.org enhancements in January 2010

This month's enhancements include the addition of library listings in the RedLaser iPhone app, and the integration of data between the WorldCat Registry and the OCLC Policies Directory for Resource Sharing.

Popular RedLaser iPhone app now includes library results

Now you can scan a book barcode with the RedLaser app on your iPhone and find WorldCat.org results. The app uses the WorldCat Search API and WorldCat Registry APIs to deliver results for libraries nearby, complete with contact information and driving directions.

RedLaser is a comparison shopping application developed by Occipital of Boulder, Colorado. As a self-confessed "huge library supporter," Occipital partnered with WorldCat in order to put information from thousands of libraries at a user's fingertips.

Currently available in the U.S. for books only, RedLaser is one of the top paid apps in the iTunes app store. It joins several existing mobile applications that include WorldCat library listings in search results. The WorldCat Mobile pilot is available for download on all Web-enabled phones in the UK, U.S., Netherlands, Germany, France and Canada at www.worldcat.org/mobile and searches all content available through WorldCat.org.

Watch a 43-second YouTube video to see RedLaser's library results in action. iPhone users can download the RedLaser app for US$ 1.99 through Apple's iTunes app store.

More WorldCat news

WorldCat Registry and Policies Directory now integrated

The OCLC Policies Directory is the repository of interlibrary loan policies for WorldCat Resource Sharing libraries. The new, completely redesigned version of the Policies Directory released this week is now also integrated with the WorldCat Registry.

Shared information saves you time

Information such as institution name, type, location, catalog, home page, lending URLs and FEIN are now shared between the Policies Directory and WorldCat Registry. This means that you need only update information in one place in the WorldCat Registry, and the changes will be reflected in the Policies Directory within an hour.

Update your WorldCat Registry profile or Policies Directory listing, set your rules for request, and start saving time today!

On Facebook? Become a Fan of WorldCat on the new WorldCat Page. Then upload a photo, start a discussion, or post a question to the wall.

On Twitter? Follow @WorldCatorg’s tweet stream to get the latest news as it happens, or share feedback and stories with the WorldCat.org team.

(2010 01 27)