Worldcat.org is arriving, starting next month, and OCLC is letting bits and pieces of info out about it. If they make the interface open enough for people and/or organizations to make adaptations, this could be a big deal in the library world.
Imagine having a Google-like search box that will locate any item available in a library throughout the world, as long as at least one OCLC member library has cataloged it. Now imagine (and I hope this can/will be done) connecting the power of your local library (item check-outs, interlibrary loan, etc.) to this vast catalog.
This already exists, but not in an easily accessible way. To use Worldcat, you either have to log into OCLC FirstSearch (ask your public or community college library for their login/password), or use Google or Yahoo’s “Find in a Library” method known as Open WorldCat (which contains a limited set of WorldCat records). Neither are well-known, and neither are straightforward enough for the instant recognition needed for widespread adoption.
This will be different, if it is as open as it seems. Sites (including LibrarySupportStaff.org, assuming that OCLC’s info matches my interpretation of it) can install the search box and initiate searches. The results will go to the “Find in a Library” page that will let one determine which local area libraries have that item.
If it is as easy as that, then this will be a big deal. If it is set up in such a way as to let the sites modify the search in creative ways, then this will be bigger than anything in recent library memory. If it is locked down or limited too much, the risk is loss of usefulness, and it may go nowhere fast.
August will be an interesting month…
