What is WorldCat?
WorldCat contains all the bibliographic records (with holdings information) cataloged by OCLC member libraries including books, manuscripts, computer data files, maps, computer programs, musical scores, films and slides, newspapers, videotapes, sound recordings, journals and magazines (though it does not include book chapters or individual articles). The database currently comprises over one billion records and is updated daily. Users may link directly to the owning library’s online catalog to determine if the item is available.

Ways to access WorldCat
RRLC libraries and their users have two ways to access WorldCat: WorldCat via FirstSearch, which requires a subscription and WorldCat.org, available on the Open Web without restriction. Both types of access are available to RRLC member libraries and library systems.

WorldCat via FirstSearch
FirstSearch is an electronic information service that provides web-based access to the WorldCat database. RRLC members are eligible to access WorldCat via FirstSearch using an authorization/password provided through RRLC’s shared subscription. In addition, RRLC has created a set of instructions "Optimizing WorldCat" that will both highlight items held locally and list local holdings first.

Why use WorldCat via FirstSearch?

• Highlight which titles are held by RRLC libraries
• Show local libraries first in list of libraries owning a title
• Customize for individual library
• Create customized groups of libraries that are often searched
• Extensive search capabilities
• Shows all holdings locations without need to enter zip code
  

Setting up Access to WorldCat
Once you have your authorization and password, you can learn how to set up access for your library by downloading the instructions [pdf format]. If you have any questions, please contact Kathy Miller or Georgia Learn at the RRLC office.

WorldCat.org
WorldCat.org is a simple to use interface, designed to make the collections of OCLC participating libraries more visible to web users and to increase awareness of libraries as a primary source of reliable information. WorldCat.org is freely available, requiring no authorization or password.

Searching is done via the WorldCat search box using simple keywords. Linked results lead to a “Find in a Library” page, allowing users to enter geographic information such as a zip code to produce a list of nearby libraries owning the item. Users may link directly to the owning library’s online catalog to determine if the item is available.

Finding Local Library Holdings in WorldCat
Searching WorldCat.org provides access to the complete WorldCat database, but specific library holdings are retrieved only for libraries that have contributed holdings to the OCLC database and have a subscription to FirstSearch WorldCat. RRLC provides ways for libraries to meet these criteria. For additional information, contact the RRLC office.

Why use WorldCat?

Simple to use for easy searches
No login required

Comparison of WorldCat’s public viewsNEW!

How to obtain items located through WorldCat

You are able to e-mail WorldCat records to your ILL contacts for the purpose of obtaining loans from RRLC member libraries. If you previously used the ROARing Cat e-mail feature to request from other RRLC member libraries, you can now send a WorldCat record via e-mail. If you are a school library, you should e-mail WorldCat records to your SLS ILL office and the ILL request will be forwarded on your behalf.

The following methods allow you to send WorldCat records as pages or as links.

• Method for School Libraries
• Method for all other Libraries

WorldCat Updates

WorldCat Tutorial
RRLC has created a Powerpoint tutorial providing a comprehensive review of WorldCat via FirstSearch, using the Basic, Advanced or Expert Search modes.

WorldCat Tutorial

• What is World Cat? Navigation Tips Slide 2-9
  An introduction to the screen interface

• Basic Search Slide 10-12
  Easiest way to search WorldCat

• Advanced Search Slide 13-43
  Best way to make use of WorldCat’s extensive searching capabilities

• Working with Search Results Slide 35-43
  Sorting, Limiting, Ranking, Library Ownership

• Detailed Records Slide 47-54
  Provides detailed information contained in a record

• Expert Searching Slide 55-59
  Allows for complex searching using Boolean and proximity operators