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WorldCat Help
See more FAQs:
Searching and search results
- How do I search WorldCat?
- Are there browser or Web page plug-ins that let me search WorldCat?
- Can Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) be used in WorldCat searches?
- In what order are search results returned?
- How can I narrow a large set of results?
- I've found the item I want—how do I know which libraries have it?
- How do I search for a library?
- In what order are library search results returned?
- Why does my library information display incorrectly in search results?
- I can't find an item in WorldCat that I know exists. Why?
- Can I search for lists of library items created by other WorldCat users?
- Can I search for other WorldCat users?
How do I search WorldCat?
WorldCat is just like any other Web search site you've used: Simply enter one or more basic keywords in the search box at the top of any WorldCat page. You're searching the collections of libraries instead of Web pages, so it's a good idea to use one or more of the following:
- Words from the title
- Words that describe the subject matter
- Author name
- Artist, actor or director name (for recorded music and movies)
WorldCat's Advanced Search allows you to enter keywords for multiple categories and limit your results by language, format (such as "only books") and date of publication/release. A link to the advanced search is available next to the simple search box at the top of most WorldCat pages.
Are there browser or Web page plug-ins that let me search WorldCat?
Yes. They can be downloaded here and include a Facebook application and a search plug-in for the Firefox Web browser. This page also includes instructions on configuring the Google Toolbar, which lets you link to WorldCat records when ISBNs—standard identifying numbers assigned to books—are detected on a Web page you are viewing.
Can Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) be used in WorldCat searches?
Not at this time. WorldCat accepts keywords, the search method preferred by most Web users. You can reduce a large set of results using the "Refine Your Search" box, which lets you narrow by a specific author, subject matter ("content"), format, language and/or year.
Boolean operators and other expert search options can be applied to WorldCat using the FirstSearch reference service available at many WorldCat libraries. (FirstSearch may also be available to you through a WorldCat library's Web site, when you log in with your active membership account for that library.)
In what order are search results returned?
By default, WorldCat results are presented in order of relevance to your search terms. You can change the sorting order using the "Sort by" menu at the top right of your results. You can sort alphabetically by author name, alphabetically by title, or by date of publication in increasing (oldest first) or decreasing (newest first) order.
How can I narrow a large set of results?
You can reduce a large results set using the "Refine Your Search" box that appears on the left-hand side of all WorldCat search results. Refine Your Search lets you narrow by a specific author, subject matter ("content"), item format, language and/or year.
The box lets you move between searching and browsing with ease. You can "drill down" to deeper levels of specificity. You can also climb back up toward your original result set by clicking one of the breadcrumb links at the top of your results (or your browser's Back button).
When searching for libraries, Library search results will default to several library types; if you are interested in a specific library type, such as Public Libraries or Academic Libraries, you may filter your results set by using the Library type dropdown on the top-right of the results set.
I've found the item I want—how do I know which libraries have it?
In the section called Borrow or obtain a copy, you can find a list of the libraries near you that have the item. If your ZIP Code is not already displayed in this section, type in a postal code (U.S. ZIP) or the name of your state, province or country in the Enter your location box and click Find libraries. (Most standard postal abbreviations are accepted.)
You'll see a list of libraries near you that own the item, ordered by distance from that location. (Mileages are approximate and based on postal-code geographic centers, so it is possible that the closest library will not be listed first.)
Each library listing includes the library's name and location by city, and an indication of which formats of the item it owns. Many listings will include a link to the library's general information page, with key information such as phone numbers and hours of operation. Some listings will also display a link to the library's online "Ask a Librarian" service. Click a library-name link to visit that library's online catalog for more information about the item.
How do I search for a library?
The Search for a Library option is available from the Search menu at the top of the screen. You can search for a library by entering all or part of the library name, your ZIP or postal code, or your city, state or province in the Search box and clicking the Search button.
In what order are library search results returned?
The order of library search results varies depends on which type of search you conducted.
If you search by ZIP or postal code, libraries in that code will be returned and in some, but not all cases, libraries in other Zip/postal codes within the same city will also be returned...ordered by closeness to that Zip/postal codes center. Note: At this time the WorldCat Library search is unable to search libraries in nearby cities and in some cases, nearby ZIP/postal codes. Enhancements to this feature are planned in the near furure, however.
If you search by a keyword/ library name, search results will be ordered alphabetically by all libraries with that search term in the library name or library alias (sub-name). If this keyword also matches a location, results for that location will then follow.
If you search by a specific location, such as city, state, search results will be listed alphabetical by library name in that specific location. Note: You can re-sort your search results alphabetically by library name by selecting Alphabetical in the Sort by drop-down list.
Why does my library information display incorrectly in search results?
If your library is not showing up in the search results, or if information such as the library address is incorrect, you may first want to check to see if your search criteria is entered correctly and try including additional search criteria that may match your library.
The WorldCat Library search is powered by WorldCat Registry data. If you are a librarian or library staff and do not see your library, you may create a free WorldCat Registry profile. Library staff may also access their librarys info in the WorldCat Registry to correct any data if need be.
The WorldCat Registry is located at: http://www.worldcat.org/registry/institutions/
I can't find an item in WorldCat that I know exists. Why?
WorldCat searches the collections of its member libraries, not those of all libraries worldwide. If the item is rare, it is possible that no WorldCat libraries own it.
Can I search for lists of library items created by other WorldCat users?
Yes. Select "Search for Lists" from the Search menu on the WorldCat menu bar. Currently you can search other people's lists with your keywords matched to words in the list name or description. Only those lists in which the privacy setting is set to "Viewable by Anyone (Public)" are searched.
The ability to search public lists to view all those that contain a specific library item will be available soon.
Can I search for other WorldCat users?
Yes; select "Search for Contacts" from the Search menu on the WorldCat menu bar. You can search by a person's WorldCat user name, or by the first and last name associated with their WorldCat account.