WorldCat Local "quick start" frequently asked questions

WorldCat Local "quick start" delivers the resources of your library and libraries around the world in a single search. It is now included in a WorldCat on FirstSearch subscription at no extra cost. This is the first step towards cooperative library management services on the Web. WorldCat Local connects users' search experience with library management systems—today, that means your catalog, WorldCat, local availability and WorldCat resource sharing. Soon, OCLC will add modules for Web-scale delivery and circulation, license management, print and electronic acquisitions, and more.

WorldCat-subscribing libraries receive a library-branded view of WorldCat.org with their local library holdings ranked first in search results, as well as interoperability with many existing library systems.

Note: Also see Frequently Asked Questions for WorldCat Local.

General

1. How can my library get WorldCat Local "quick start"?
   

   WorldCat Local "quick start" is now included in library subscriptions to the WorldCat database on the FirstSearch service at no additional cost.

   Your WorldCat subscription now gives your library:

   • Access to the WorldCat database on the FirstSearch service
   • Visibility of your library’s collections in WorldCat on the Web through WorldCat.org
   • The first steps toward cooperative library management services on the Web with WorldCat Local "quick start."

   If your library subscribes to the FirstSearch Base Package or OCLC Collections, you also qualify because WorldCat is included in those subscriptions.

2. Does WorldCat Local "quick start" replace FirstSearch?
   
   No. WorldCat Local "quick start" is part of your subscription to WorldCat (through FirstSearch). It complements your current FirstSearch account by adding even more visibility of your library's resources.  If you discontinue your WorldCat subscription, you will no longer receive WorldCat Local "quick start."

Relationship with other WorldCat services

1. How does the functionality in WorldCat Local "quick start" compare with what my users see today in WorldCat.org?
   

   Your users will search the world's libraries through the WorldCat.org interface, with its current search features, social networking tools, personal profiles and links to library services that your library has set up in the WorldCat Registry.

   With WorldCat Local "quick start," your users will see a URL, search box and interface that reflect your library's branding. They will also see the resources your library has in WorldCat; your local resources are listed first in the search results. 

   When you place your branded WorldCat Local "quick start" search box on Web sites and pages your users consult frequently, your library's name displays on the search box, connecting your library to the search experience.

   Additional features visible to your users through WorldCat Local "quick start" will primarily depend on the Web-based Integrated Library System (ILS), resource sharing and full-text delivery solutions in use at your library. If your library uses an ILS for which OCLC has established interoperability (Innovative Interfaces Millennium or INNOPAC, Ex Libris Voyager or Aleph, SirsiDynix Unicorn, Horizon or Symphony), the service will:

   • Display item location, call number, circulation status and links found in your OPAC
   • Pass interlibrary loan requests to your WorldCat Resource Sharing or ILLiad request form if your library allows user-initiated interlibrary loan requests
   • Support placing holds on requested materials

   If your library uses an ILS for which OCLC has not established interoperability, beginning in July 2009 your users will see the library-branded URL, search box and interface and search results that feature your library's holdings. Expanded access to other ILS systems will be added in phases, including prominent links to library catalogs and APIs and support for NCIP your staff can use to develop additional integration between WorldCat Local and your local system.

   NOTE:  The OCLC control number is required and must be consistently indexed and prefixed in your library's catalog in order for item location and availability status to display.

2. What is the difference between WorldCat Local "quick start" and WorldCat Local?
   

   WorldCat Local

   WorldCat Local "quick start" delivers local and global resources in a single search. It's the first step towards cooperative, Web-scale management library services. WorldCat Local "quick start" provides many of the benefits of the full WorldCat Local service, and is included at no additional charge in your WorldCat on First Search subscription.

   • WorldCat Local interoperates with many of the leading library systems to provide the real-time availability status of requested materials and to place holds
   • WorldCat Local interoperates with multiple ILSs*
   • Article-level records from well-known databases link to full text where available.
   • Local library resources are displayed first in search results.
   • WorldCat Local libraries receive full-featured, custom statistical reports.
   • WorldCat Local users can:
     • See their library's brand in the URL, search box and user interface
     • Directly access materials, place requests to hold items, and connect to full text (when available) from within the WorldCat Local interface
     • Place requests for materials in their library, libraries within their consortium or any WorldCat library using OCLC resource sharing services
     • Get the resources they need due to smart integration with a library's existing delivery services at the library and consortium or group levels
     • Refine their research to a specific branch within a library system when Local Holdings Records are present
     • Connect to the global WorldCat community with the same social networking tools available on WorldCat.org

   In July 2009, WorldCat Local libraries will have the ability to create a single, integrated, relevancy-ranked search experience for their physical, electronic and digital resources. Initially, 100 of the most widely used, licensed resources from multiple providers will be active on the service, with more databases and other materials being added each month.

   Library staffs of WorldCat Local libraries participate in the WorldCat Local User Group community that provides direction for future development of the service.

   WorldCat Local "quick start"

   Included at no extra charge with a WorldCat on FirstSearch subscription, this service offers many of the benefits of WorldCat Local and includes:

   • The library’s brand in the URL, search box and user interface
   • Local library resources displayed first in search results
   • Interoperability with a single ILS*
   • Interoperability with OCLC Resource Sharing services (WorldCat Resource Sharing or ILLiad)
   • Smart integration with a library’s existing delivery services
   • Access to the same social networking tools available on WorldCat.org
   • Article-level records from well-known databases with links to full text where available

   *Libraries with ILSs can benefit from WorldCat Local features such as a library-branded URL and search box, links to OpenURL resolvers and existing services, and locally ranked search results.

   WorldCat Local currently interoperates with several ILS vendors including: Ex Libris Aleph (via Z39.50), Ex Libris Voyager, SirsiDynix Horizon, SirsiDynix Unicorn, SirsiDynix Symphony, Innovative Interfaces Millennium and Innovative Interfaces INNOPAC.  Libraries using these ILS systems will benefit from additional interoperability features, including real-time availability and the ability to place holds.

   OCLC is developing additional ILS system integration with WorldCat Local. Upcoming plans include prominent links to library catalogs in the WorldCat Local interface and the release of APIs that library staff can use to enable interaction with additional ILSs for the display of item availability and let users place holds.

3. When is it best to choose WorldCat Local rather than WorldCat Local "quick start"?
   

   A WorldCat Local purchase includes functionality beyond what is included in WorldCat Local "quick start," including:

   • Interoperability with multiple ILSs
   • Visibility of group/consortium-level collections in search results
   • Interoperability with consortial borrowing systems to surface smart delivery options to searchers.
   • Ability to display branch-level holdings when Local Holdings Records are present.
   • Full suite of statistical reports.
   • Expanded search functionality coming in July 2009:
     • Search electronic content in OCLC and non-OCLC services
     • Integrate results from WorldCat and your library’s licensed content services in a single result list
     • Initially, 100 of the most widely used, licensed resources from multiple providers will be active on the service, with more databases and other materials being added each month.
4. My library group has a group catalog from OCLC that lets us see a view of only our collections in both FirstSearch and WorldCat.org.  Will my group see this view of its collections in WorldCat Local "quick start"?
   

   Yes. WorldCat Local "quick start" is designed to add visibility and access for individual library collections, as well as your library's group catalog.

   Your group can add more group visibility and interoperability with your existing shared catalog and consortial borrowing system by upgrading to a subscription to the WorldCat Local service.

Relationship with OCLC electronic resource services

1. I understand OCLC plans to add access through WorldCat.org to its electronic resource services (FirstSearch, NetLibrary, CAMIO, ArchiveGrid, Electronic Collections Online).  Is this related in any way to WorldCat Local "quick start" access through the WorldCat.org interface?
   

   Yes. When OCLC integrates access to its electronic resource services through WorldCat.org in July 2009, your users will be able to reach all of your library's collections in WorldCat plus all the electronic resources you license from OCLC through a single search in your library's branded search box.

   The same library-branded URL, search box and interface you receive with WorldCat Local "quick start" will be used to access the OCLC databases, eBooks, eAudiobooks, digital objects and eJournals you make available to your users.  As you introduce your library's view of WorldCat.org as part of your WorldCat Local "quick start" site, you may wish to let users know in advance that this will soon be an additional way they can reach many of the electronic resources you provide for them.  Single-search access should save time for searchers because it will reduce the number of separate services and interfaces currently required for comprehensive research.

   Also in July, a subscription to the WorldCat Local service will expand to include a new comprehensive search capability that will search your library's OCLC and non-OCLC library resources in a single search with integrated search results.

Interoperability

1. Which ILSs does WorldCat Local "quick start" interoperate with currently? Are more planned?
   

   ILSs with which WorldCat Local “quick start” currently interoperates are Innovative Interfaces Millennium, Innovative Interfaces INNOPAC, Ex Libris Aleph (Z39.50), Ex Libris Voyager, SirsiDynix Horizon, SirsiDynix Unicorn and SirsiDynix Symphony.

   Interoperability with these ILSs means that your users will be able to see details such as location, call number, circulation status and links from your library's OPAC.  This availability is primarily attained via the screen scraping method.  Users may also place holds on needed materials.  "Smart delivery" means that users will see the most appropriate delivery option for items in search results, based on your library's existing services. They can connect with resources using links to your existing OpenURL resolver and to your library's WorldCat Resource Sharing or ILLiad. 

   OCLC plans to release access to WorldCat Local “quick start” in phases by ILS.

   • Libraries with the ILSs for which OCLC has established interoperability (see list above) can complete their configurations and begin to use WorldCat Local "quick start" now.
   • Libraries with other ILSs will receive access to their branded URL and search box in July 2009, with the release of integrated access to OCLC eContent on the WorldCat.org interface. If your library falls into this group, there are preparations you can make now for use of your new site in July.  Visit the welcome page for information about planning for your library's "quick start" to WorldCat Local.
2. What are the benefits for libraries without one of those ILSs?
   
   Your library will benefit from WorldCat Local features such as local branding and URLs, links to OpenURL resolvers and existing services, and locally ranked search results beginning in July 2009.  Expanded access to other ILS systems will be added in phases, including prominent links to library catalogs and APIs and NCIP for library staffs to create their own interoperability features later in 2009.
3. How will this work with openURL resolvers?
   

   You may set up a link from WorldCat records to your existing OpenURL 1.0-compliant resolver.

   WorldCat Local "quick start" does not access information in your resolver knowledge base. Rather, it links users to your resolver and provides users with a list of resources available from your library at the article and title levels.

   NOTE: It is essential for your library to add holdings information for its serials titles to WorldCat in order for WorldCat Local to appropriately display a link to your OpenURL resolver.  You may wish to use OCLC's eSerials Holdings service to streamline the work needed to add serials ownership information to WorldCat.

4. How does OCLC obtain circulation information from my ILS?
   

   Circulation information including item location, call number, status and OPAC links is retrieved using screen scraping or Z39.50. The method used depends on information available to OCLC about your library's current services.

   WorldCat Local "quick start" and WorldCat Local communicate with ILSs using the OCLC control number in catalog records.  For this reason, your library must index the OCLC control number in a consistent manner with consistent prefixes in order for the system-to-system communication to occur.

   OCLC plans to add local system numbers as a future way for WorldCat Local to communicate with your local system.

5. How is shelf status displayed in an ILS shared by a group of libraries?
   
   During configuration, you may identify the locations that should be sorted to appear at the top of results lists in order to appropriately separate your library's holdings from the rest of the holdings in the shared catalog.  Your staff will specify location names that will appear first in detailed record displays.
6. My library's catalog supports Z39.50. How does this interact with WorldCat Local "quick start"?
   

   Your library's WorldCat Local "quick start" site has been set up using either screen scraping or Z39.50, based on information OCLC obtained about your library using public sources. If your library has an Ex Libris Aleph system, Z39.50 was used to establish interoperability.  For most other library systems, OCLC used screen scraping.

   Your "quick start" site will be maintained using the method originally set up for it.

Local configuration

1. Which features can I configure for my WorldCat Local "quick start" site?
   

   Staff at your library can:

   • Customize your WorldCat.org URL
   • Brand your site with your library’s logo and colors
   • Add links to local services including your OpenURL full-text resolver and virtual reference service
   • Specify relevance ranking preferences
   • Set up IP address access to library’s resources
   • Set up the service to reflect your library’s circulation policies including indication of non-circulating or checked out items and place hold options
   • Specify which items are available through your OpenURL resolver
   • Establish links to your library’s current OCLC resource sharing options including WorldCat Resource Sharing or ILLiad

   If your library would benefit from additional configuration options such as interoperability with a second ILS, relevance ranking of resources from collections of other libraries in your group or consortium, and integration of delivery through a consortial borrowing service, you should consider subscribing to the full WorldCat Local service.

2. How do I complete the configuration?
   

   Staff at your library will first complete a registration form to initialize your service.  OCLC staff will contact you to request any additional information needed to establish your site.

   OCLC provides a number of resources to help you configure your WorldCat Local "quick start," including:

   • Web information sessions.
   • Brief online tutorials that provide detailed information about use of the Configuration Form.
   • Daily live chat sessions with WorldCat Local staff who will answer your questions.

   A complete list of resources available to support your library through the configuration process is available at the welcome page.

   Note: Libraries that subscribe to WorldCat Local also receive guided configuration support as part of their subscription to the service.

3. Which features can I configure if interoperability with my ILS is not currently available?
   

   There are a number of features available in this case:

   • The way your library’s name and branding displays in your branded URL, search box and interface
   • The link to your library’s OpenURL full text resolver
   • IP address ranges for user access to licensed content
   • The link to your library’s virtual reference service
   • Links to other library resources such as your library Web site

Display of library holdings

1. Not all of my holdings are in WorldCat. How do I update them?
   
   You may request a no-charge, one-time batchload of current records in your library
   catalog into WorldCat.  See additional information about OCLC Batchload services.
2. I don’t catalog my holdings with OCLC. How will my library benefit from WorldCat Local "quick start"?
   

   Your library will  benefit from WorldCat Local "quick start" once you add your holdings to the WorldCat database.

   WorldCat Local "quick start" provides a user-centric entry point to your library that increases the visibility of your resources on the Web. OCLC's partnerships with popular search engines such as Google, Yahoo! Search and MSN help connect more Web users to your library's quality collections.

   WorldCat Local "quick start" will also facilitate delivery of library resources to your users through smart delivery technology. This technology determines the most appropriate delivery option for needed items based on your library's policies, eliminating the need for users to consult multiple delivery "silos."

3. How can my library make sure its serial holdings information is present in its WorldCat Local "quick start" implementation?
   

   Start by confirming that your holdings are set on all of your serial records. Staff can save time by using OCLC's eSerials Holdings service to add their holdings symbol to WorldCat records. eSerials Holdings automates the process of setting and maintaining holdings, working with partners that include WorldCat Link Manager, EBSCO Link Source, Serials Solutions 360Link and theTDNet e-Resource manager.

   If your library subscribes to WorldCat Local, you may display detailed serials information to your users when you add Local Holdings Records for your serials to WorldCat.

Other management issues

1. Will I receive usage statistics about my library's WorldCat Local "quick start" activity?
   

   Yes. When you have scheduled the public release of your WorldCat Local "quick start" site, contact Orders@oclc.org to activate an account you can use to generate reports of usage statistics.

2. How does WorldCat Local "quick start" manage authentication of my library's users?
   

   WorldCat Local "quick start" directs users to your existing authentication system(s) as appropriate during a search session with no changes to your existing authentication system.

   For example, an authentication log-on will display to users in order to take an action such as initiating an interlibrary loan request or linking to licensed online content. Users may be authenticated in multiple places within a WorldCat Local "quick start" experience. A link to user accounts is always available within the interface for users who wish to log on at any time.

Relationship to Web-scale library management services

1. How is WorldCat Local "quick start" the first step toward Web-scale management services for libraries?
   
   WorldCat Local "quick start" is intended to provide a user-centric interface to your library's holdings and electronic resources licensed from OCLC.  This functionality reflects a portion of the benefits and efficiency achieved through WorldCat Local and ultimately through a cooperative, Web-scale library service.
2. What is OCLC's plan for Web-scale management services and how will they interoperate with my OCLC services?
   

   Web-scale management services will provide a network-level platform for the management of local library collections.  The cooperative service will interoperate directly with OCLC services, including WorldCat Local, and will have several features that distinguish it from a traditional library management service. 

   The network-level platform will:

   • Enable basic functionality with streamlined and customizable workflows
   • Significantly reduce the total cost of ownership for managing library resources
   • Embrace a service-oriented architecture for interoperability with other business process systems, such as financial systems, HR systems, course management systems, and authentication services
   • Provide services at Web scale (the ability to support thousands of libraries on a single platform)
   • Create immediate, cooperative, network effects through shared metadata, group identity management, discovery, materials sharing, financial transactions, socialization, service resolution, collection management, reporting, and business intelligence
   • Enable discovery of all your library's resources through a single search using WorldCat Local
3. When does OCLC plan to offer a cooperative, Web-scale library system?
   
   OCLC will begin to test circulation and delivery functionality with test sites in June 2009. Following several months of testing, functionality will be evaluated and refined to meet the needs of different types of libraries.
4. Can my library participate in testing of the Web-scale management services?
   
   Pilot sites have been selected and work is underway to determine library needs and
   functionality. OCLC does not plan to add new participants for testing.