Metasearch expands the reach of WorldCat Local

Library users can now search both OCLC and non-OCLC databases

By David M. Duke

With the introduction of metasearch in WorldCat Local, libraries can make finding and getting library resources easier than ever before. Information seekers no longer need to log in to multiple interfaces or navigate numerous results sets to find and get to the information they need.

The new metasearch feature provides single-search access to library resources and delivers a single set of search results that integrates records from remotely indexed databases, WorldCat and content licensed from OCLC. The results from a WorldCat Local search display many types of resources in your library. That includes electronic materials, digital items, databases, music, video, maps, journals, theses, as well as print. This upgrade is available at no additional charge to libraries that subscribe to WorldCat Local.

“WorldCat Local metasearch represents a new approach for consolidated access to library resources,” says Mela Kircher, Associate Product Manager, WorldCat Local. “Library users can now find items from multiple information providers all in one place. This not only saves time, but helps them make better use of the resources libraries provide for them.”

“The ideal way to offer metasearch is to load databases and index them centrally, and WorldCat Local is on target to making this happen,” says David Wuolu, Reference and Systems Librarian, Alcuin Library, College of St. Benedict/St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota. “In the meantime, its Z39.50 connection is a clean, reasonable implementation of the search and sort of third-party databases.”

A locally managed profile enables library staff to provide authenticated users access to appropriate databases. A service configuration module lets staff build database groups around subject areas of interest. This is a convenient way to search across multiple databases and electronic resources, providing a single, integrated result set featuring the most relevant materials.

Since August 2009, users of WorldCat Local and WorldCat.org have been able to search content found in OCLC electronic resource services—OCLC FirstSearch databases, NetLibrary eBooks and eAudiobooks, Electronic Collections Online eJournals, ArchiveGrid archival collection descriptions and CAMIO (Catalog of Art Museum Images Online)—from the WorldCat search box. WorldCat Local metasearch continues these efforts by adding
content from non-OCLC sources, giving libraries a full-featured way to easily connect information seekers with the materials they need.

OCLC plans to expand the central index to include resources from familiar content providers that are most used by libraries today. Over time, the central index will provide access to the majority of available content, and will be complemented by searching remote indexes to incorporate the diverse materials libraries make available to their users.

It all comes together in the WorldCat Registry | Updates