WorldCat: Window to the world's libraries

What is WorldCat?

In an expanding universe of information alternatives, why stand alone? WorldCat is a global network of library content and services that uses the Web to let your institution be more connected, more open and more productive. The benefits are clear:

Your collections become part of the premier database of library content

No other catalog is quite like it: WorldCat holds tens of millions of bibliographic records that represent more than one billion items. It encompasses hundreds of languages and all formats—including rapidly growing numbers of electronic resources and digital objects—and offers high hit rates, quality-controlled metadata and the application of FRBR principles to records.

Learn more about WorldCat's global catalog ››

Your content has higher visibility on the Internet

WorldCat allows more people outside the traditional library environment to discover your content with the Web tools they use every day—including Google, Google Books and Yahoo! Search. WorldCat takes data about items in your collection, relates it to basic institutional data such as the Web addresses of your catalog, electronic content servers and other online services, and actively spreads it all across the Web via strategic partnerships and distributed technologies. The result: Information seekers link to your catalog through search engines, browser toolbars, social networking sites, online booksellers and the WorldCat.org destination site.

Learn more about "Web scale" discovery through WorldCat ››

Participate in something greater

Libraries help people in their communities connect to a larger world. WorldCat does the same thing for libraries: Individual collections are linked together in a massive virtual collection that amplifies value for participating institutions and information seekers everywhere. Patrons perceive you as a door to resources locally and globally, and people in other places discover the treasures you hold.

Help shape what's to come for libraries

Being a part of WorldCat also makes you a part of OCLC, the nonprofit service and research organization that works consistently to lower information costs, identify issues and trends that impact the field, advocate the societal role of libraries and develop new technologies and standards that keep them relevant and vital. Numerous membership channels let you provide guidance to OCLC, engage in dialogue with industry leaders and collaboratively define the future of librarianship.

Learn more about becoming an OCLC member institution ››

Ready to make your library a WorldCat library?

1. Review how your library contributes to WorldCat

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