Global library cooperative Online Computer Library Center, Inc. (OCLC), US, has launched a pilot programme to make collections from libraries visible through mobile devices. The WorldCat Mobile pilot allows users to search for and find books and other materials available in libraries near them through a Web application they can access from a PDA or smartphone.
The pilot is based on WorldCat.org, the world's largest online resource for finding information in libraries. Advanced global positioning capabilities found in many smartphones and PDAs make it possible for users to find local library materials no matter where they happen to be. The pilot will gather data to inform and help shape future mobile access to WorldCat.org. The pilot is now available in the US and Canada and is expected to last six months.
The WorldCat Mobile pilot complements the recently released experimental WorldCat iPhone Web app, built with the WorldCat Search API. The pilot also uses some data from the WorldCat Registry, a comprehensive directory for libraries and consortia and the services they provide.
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