As we enter the heart of the fall semester users of the E.H. Little Library’s resources may have noticed we changed our our catalog/discovery system over the summer. Where we previously used Worldcat Local as an access point
Worldcat Local Search Screen
we now use Worldcat Discovery a new system provided by the same vendor (OCLC).
Worldcat Discovery Search Screen
This same change is reflected in the search box on our library home page which now also points to Worldcat Discovery.
Library Home Page Search Box
So why change the interface that we have had for three years and are finally getting used to? There are 3 basic reasons:
- We think that Worldcat Discovery provides a cleaner interface that is easier to navigate and is easier to use on the mobile devices that increasing numbers of you use to access our resources.
Worldcat Discovery Results List
- OCLC has plans to discontinue Worldcat Local and we decided to move to Worldcat Discovery before we were forced to so that we may get more experience using it and provide earlier feedback on potential improvements.
- OCLC is also planning to discontinue another of its search interfaces, FirstSearch, in December and has built much of the functionality from FirstSearch into Worldcat Discovery (hint: use the “advanced search” page). This same functionality has never been available in Worldcat Local. As FirstSearch is an interface much beloved by many librarians, and many of you as well we though it best to use the system that maintains some of the advantages FirstSearch offered.
Worldcat Discovery isn’t perfect but is undergoing rapid development and we are interested in your feedback. To let us know what you are thinking or for help in learning to use Worldcat Discovery please contact us at Ask a Librarian.
