Empower breakthroughs, one search at a time.
WorldCat Discovery helps people navigate their research journeys to find and get resources from your library and libraries worldwide. The service balances technical advances and ongoing research with extensive user input and testing to keep pace with your library's changing needs.
Beyond the search. Results.
Connect people to the resources they identify, whether they access the full text electronically, get a print copy in your library, request items through interlibrary loan, or buy them from a content provider. WorldCat Discovery search results are only the beginning of new discoveries and innovation.
Offer an intuitive search experience
Input from the WorldCat Discovery community drives refinements to the service. Our user-focused, methodical testing ensures that you'll have the functionality you need to help people find what they need, regardless of material format, whether it’s available in a library around the corner or across the globe.
Expand your collections through WorldCat and a broad central index
Connect your users to WorldCat, the powerhouse of research databases built over the course of more than 45 years of library cooperation with more than 559 million bibliographic records. Combine WorldCat with a content-neutral central index of more than 3,156 collections from leading publishers to give your users access to more than 4 billion items from a wide variety of resources. Unbiased search results do not favor specific topics or content collections. Learn more about OCLC's support for the NISO Open Discovery Initiative.
Meet people where they begin their searches
A FirstSearch/WorldCat Discovery subscription works with your OCLC cataloging subscription to make your collections visible in places where people start their searches. The more than 80% of people who, according to studies, begin their research in search engines or other popular websites can continue their journey via convenient links from WorldCat.org to your library, thanks to OCLC’s extensive partner relationships. Two clicks bring searchers from search engines and websites such as Wikipedia, Google Books, and Goodreads to your library’s resources and a path toward knowledge.
Build a bond that lasts
Embedding your library's collections into people’s lives improves awareness of your services, changes their research habits, and builds lifelong connections. When people reliably find and access the resources they need through your library, they’ll be more likely to consider it next time they need information. WorldCat Discovery helps your library have a greater impact on campus and in your community.
Member stories
Maximize sharing, searchability, and access to library collections
Discover how Casanatense Library committed to providing worldwide visibility of its growing digital collection.
Gain greater visibility and share research internationally
Learn how staff at Università degli Studi di Enna Kore made more resources available to their users, while also increasing their global reach.
"We really felt like OCLC, with WorldShare Management Services and WorldCat Discovery, had the most to offer for us and seemed to make the most sense for our users. It also looked workable for our staff."
Kyle Winward
Technical Services Librarian
Central College
WorldCat Discovery helps people easily find and get resources available at your library and in libraries worldwide through a single search of WorldCat and familiar, authoritative e-content collections. It also connects users to your collections via popular websites where people typically start their research.
Service availability
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Available everywhere (features differ by locale)
Learn more
Download the WorldCat Discovery brochure
Download the brochure (US Letter)
Download the brochure (A4)
Upcoming events
14 May 2025
Reunión de miembros de OCLC en Chile
On-demand webinars
Check here for WorldCat Discovery events.