Library cooperative OCLC has announced that the WorldCat knowledge base functionality has been integrated into WorldCat services to help library users connect to full-text electronic content, and help libraries to better manage workflows associated with electronic materials.
The WorldCat knowledge base combines data about libraries' electronic content with linking features that enable access to the content. A license management tool allows a library to indicate which journal titles and collections it has the rights to share through interlibrary loan. Together, these enhancements help library staff more efficiently process incoming requests for electronic articles.
WorldCat knowledge base functionality is a new feature included as part of an OCLC Cataloging subscription at no additional charge. Unlike a traditional knowledge base, WorldCat knowledge base data is not tied to a particular application. The data is added and maintained in a single place for use with a growing number of OCLC services. These enhancements will continue to create opportunities for libraries to better manage print and electronic collections together.
WorldCat Resource Sharing and ILLiad subscribers are the first to benefit from the knowledge base integration, providing an enhanced resource-sharing experience for libraries and users. The integration of knowledge base functionality into WorldCat services follows a pilot project with 14 leading academic institutions that began as a test to determine how the knowledge base could facilitate direct request for articles. As the pilot progressed, it became clear that the knowledge base could benefit all WorldCat Resource Sharing libraries, even those that did not offer direct request for articles.
When a user submits a request to borrow an article, a library already holds, library staffs receive a loan request that contains the URL for the item. This not only reduces the number of requests a library makes for things it already owns but it also eliminates the need for staff to consult multiple sources to find the requested item.
WorldCat knowledge base data will soon be available for use with other services. The knowledge base will support a new 'view now' link in WorldCat Local search results, providing users with one-click access to electronic resources such as full-text articles and eBooks. An e-link will be added to brief records in WorldCat Local search results so users will not have to scroll through detailed records to find a link to electronic resources.
Later, integration of OpenURL resolution functionality will further consolidate the discovery and delivery of electronic items into a single interface.
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