Explore what’s new for your library on WorldCat.org
Millions of people enjoy WorldCat.org every year. It’s mostly readers and lifelong learners searching for a topic or specific item. WorldCat.org is the bridge that connects them to libraries and library collections. Our recent redesign enhances the user experience, encouraging repeat visits, sharing, and ongoing engagement.
Our goal? To inspire more people to find, use, and value libraries. Period.
“WorldCat.org has been completely rebuilt from the ground up with advanced technology. Now, it more effectively meets the needs of information seekers—from academic researchers to someone looking for a book by a local author.”
—Cathy King, Executive Director, OCLC Delivery Services
Data reinforces direction
Our recent redesign was a complex process. We surveyed thousands of users, reviewed best practices for similar sites, and made the site available to hundreds of libraries prior to launch. This work continues as we listen intently to feedback, evaluating what the data tells us along with individual experiences and opinions.
50+ qualitative interviews
16,000+ survey responses
3,000+ beta site users
“I found [the interface] so much easier to use, everything is more intuitive and it looks pretty. I felt like it was faster and cleaner, and it was definitely easier for me to parse through my results.”
—Michelle Ganz, Director of Archives, Dominican Sisters of Peace
Designed to support all users
Mobile optimized
WorldCat.org is optimized for mobile use. This view includes all functionality, shows people all resource formats, and highlights the materials closest to them. The WorldCat Find mobile app is available with an English language interface to users in the United States for download in the Apple and Google Play app stores.
Intuitive search
WorldCat.org is used by people with a wide range of expertise. The advanced search supports more complex needs and clearly defined parameters, such as limiting results by year, format, and language.
Location-based results
Search results are now automatically organized based on geographic location so resources nearby display first. Users can easily adjust their location and “favorite” up to five libraries to prioritize preferred library collections.
Direct connections to e-resources
E-resources are accessible based on IP address and “favorite” libraries. There’s a seamless connection to full text via the WorldCat knowledge base giving users access to e-content licensed by your library. Clear identification of open content in search results helps people connect to resources without traditional cost or permission barriers.
“It’s a lot more professional and easier to use and gives me a better display of the information that I need—right away.”
—John Alexander, Bookseller, Flamingo Books
More ways to connect people to libraries
Promote your library
People who discover items in your library can link directly to a library information page that features locally relevant information like links to your catalog, recent collection additions, access to your library card request form, and directions to your physical location.
Build lists with colleagues
Previously, the site only provided the option for personal accounts associated with individuals. Now, staff accounts allow library staff to affiliate with an institution and work with colleagues to cooperatively build lists that show off resources and areas of specialty.
Share topic pages and lists
New topic-based pages enable anyone to explore areas of interest, such as genealogy, cooking, jazz, and more. These pages highlight unique items and promote relevant lists created by library staff and other WorldCat.org users. And it’s easy to share items and lists on social.
Visibility for more libraries
To increase exposure for more libraries, institutions with any OCLC cataloging subscription can now receive a basic institution listing that displays library name, city, state/province, and country on the “All libraries” tab. Libraries with any subscription that includes our web visibility program display on the “Featured libraries” tab. Their subscription also includes detailed library information, links to the catalog for items held, and a full-featured library information page.
Basic WorldCat.org listing
A basic WorldCat.org listing is for institutions with any OCLC cataloging subscription. The listing by its presence on the “All Libraries” tab indicates an institution holds the item. It displays the library's name and simplified location.
Featured library WorldCat.org listing
A featured library WorldCat.org listing is available to libraries whose subscriptions include the OCLC web visibility program. The listing includes more detailed location information plus links to the library information page and the local catalog record for the item.
Improve web visibility with WorldCat.org
We have reimagined how people find libraries online with a new WorldCat.org user experience, more ways to engage, and better connections from where people start their searches. Contact us to learn more about how working together helps more people find the information they need.