What is OCLC Up To?
In January 2009, OCLC announced that users could begin transitioning their access from the current FirstSearch platform to the WorldCat.org platform for FirstSearch, NetLibrary, and the newly added ArchiveGrid, OAIster, and CAMIO resources beginning in July, 2009. The WorldCat.org platform provides a more web-like search interface to WorldCat and other OCLC databases. Also, WorldCat.org allows databases to be grouped in a number of ways and searched simultaneously.
In April 2009, OCLC announced that WorldCat Local QuickStart would be free of charge to institutions subscribing to FirstSearch Base Package. WorldCat Local QuickStart is a service provided through the WorldCat.org platform. Libraries who sign up for WorldCat Local QuickStart will receive all of the benefits of transitioning to the WorldCat.org platform, such as access to social networking tools, as well as access to further customizations:
- Display of their library’s local holdings first in a search result list.
- Local branding of the WorldCat search box and user interface.
- Integration of existing OCLC delivery/interlibrary loan services (WorldCat Resource Sharing and Illiad.)
- Integration with a single local library catalog for real-time item availability information and place holds (limited to catalogs that are configured to work with WorldCat Local.)
GALILEO has been investigating how the transition to WorldCAT.org or WorldCat Local QuickStart will have on the support and management of OCLC databases for GALILEO libraries. In late August GALILEO staff met with OCLC and Lyrasis staff to get a better understanding of some of these changes and their impacts on GALILEO staff, librarians, and users. GALILEO staff is continuing to work with OCLC on issues of authentication, etc. and will provide further information as it becomes available.
As you can see, OCLC is busy transforming their content, platform, and services. If you have any specific questions about any of the changes OCLC has announced or if you are planning to consider WorldCat Local QuickStart, please submit a comment to GALILEO Support via the Contact Us form http://www.galileo.usg.edu/contact/.
