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WorldCat Local general category FAQs
- What configuration options are available to a library in WorldCat Local?
Configuration options include the following:
- Unique URL as a subdomain of WorldCat.org
- Branded interface with logo and color options for backgrounds and links
- Branded version of the WorldCat search box for use on your Web site and other Web sites that are familiar to your users
- Definition of institution, branches and/or group to determine the priority position in search results
- Interoperability with a library’s local system and/or consortial borrowing system in areas such as display of item availability, circulation, resource sharing, the ability to place holds and OpenURL resolver
- Definition of the workflow for institution requests, group requests and requests made to other WorldCat libraries.
- Can a WorldCat Local search box be added to e-learning tools such as Blackboard?
Yes. Library staff may place their WorldCat Local™ search box on any Web site or in any Web-enabled environment where they want it to be accessible to library users.
- Can a library configure the WorldCat Local interface to display only some of the available interface languages?
No. All languages available within the WorldCat.org interface are displayed in WorldCat Local implementations.
- How does WorldCat Local differ from OCLC's group catalogs? Why would my library want to purchase WorldCat Local if we already have a group catalog?
WorldCat Local delivers a locally configured view of your library's and/or group's collections through the WorldCat.org environment. This functionality goes beyond what is available in group catalogs today on FirstSearch and the WorldCat.org interface.
Below are many of the key characteristics of group catalogs on FirstSearch, group catalogs on WorldCat.org and WorldCat Local.
Group catalogs on FirstSearch:
- FirstSearch-based databases that contain holdings of a specific library group
- Visible to users of group participants with optional "guest view" for many catalogs
- "Scoped views" of content help users search subsets of the larger group's holdings
- Group branding on interface
- Functionality mirrors FirstSearch service
- Authorization required for access.
Group catalogs on WorldCat.org:
- WorldCat.org interface
- Group holdings elevated in relevancy ranking
- Scoping available for subgroups
- Group-level branding
- Custom Web links to group-specified sites
- Ability to put search box on any chosen site for access via a number of avenues.
WorldCat Local:
- Local holdings elevated in relevancy ranking
- Option for consortium holdings to be elevated in search results
- Local branding
- Custom Web links to locally specified sites
- Interoperability with local ILS for item availability and placing of holds
- Interoperability with consortial ILS for item availability and placing of holds
- Interoperability with local OpenURL resolver for delivery of online materials
- Interoperability with resource sharing system for placing of interlibrary loan requests
- Opportunity to integrate local collections in search results
- Ability to place search box on any Web site for access via multiple avenues.
- Coming in July 2009—metasearch for non-OCLC resources.
- What kinds of statistical reports does OCLC provide to WorldCat Local libraries?
OCLC provides WorldCat Local subscribers with access to a hosted tracking/metrics tool to view all Web usage statistics for their WorldCat Local site. This consists of dozens of reports, most of which are customizable to fit an institution's needs. The reports include (but are not limited to) search counts, search terms, delivery option clicks and page views for every local page.
- How can our library make interface changes or suggestions?
OCLC reviews feedback from library staff and library users as it plans enhancements to the service. In addition, OCLC conducts extensive usability testing with a variety of users to determine needed changes.
- Does WorldCat Local use protocols such as NCIP or Z39.50?
WorldCat Local supports the NCIP and Z39.50 communication protocols. Note that these protocols must also be supported by the purchasing library’s ILS or its intraconsortial borrowing system.
- Where does a library card fit into the WorldCat Local picture?
WorldCat Local interoperates with existing circulation and interlibrary loan procedures. This means library users continue to use their existing library card(s) to obtain materials from their home library and follow library policies to use other delivery options such as interlibrary loan.
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