News Release

ALBERTSONS LIBRARY NEWS / April 6, 2009

Boise State, U of I, Lewis-Clark Academic Libraries Join Forces to Introduce WorldCat Local

Boise State University’s Albertsons Library, in cooperation with the libraries at Lewis-Clark State College, the University of Idaho and the University of Idaho College of Law, is implementing a groundbreaking new information discovery tool called WorldCat Local.

“We’re excited to be part of such an innovative project that illustrates the power of Idaho academic libraries working together,” said Marilyn Moody, Boise State dean of university libraries. “WorldCat Local gives Boise State faculty and students an easy way to search for all kinds of books and resources they need for their classes and research. The unique linking aspect of WorldCat Local to books, online articles, e-books and worldwide library collections makes it convenient and fast for libraries to get the items people really want and need.”

Traditional library catalogs provide access to a single library’s collection. WorldCat seamlessly accesses the collections of other Idaho libraries and more than 10,000 libraries worldwide. Combined, the libraries have more than 100 million resources waiting to be discovered. This tool integrates searching of thousands of articles, as well — many with immediate, full-text access; borrowing takes just one click.

WorldCat Local allows library users to find resources more quickly. “Today’s library users need and deserve tools that easily open doors to our collections,” said Lynn Baird, dean of the University of Idaho Library. “WorldCat Local is such a tool. I predict our students and researchers will find it helpful to find books, journal articles and dissertations or photographs with a single search. This tool will save people time because it will serve as a single point to find quality materials of all types.”

WorldCat Local contains significantly more resources than are available from other online sites. Initially piloted at the University of Washington, WorldCat Local is being implemented at prominent institutions such as the University of California system, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Ohio State University. Boise State and its Idaho partners are at the forefront of making a revolutionary tool available to library users. Sue Niewenhouse, library director at Lewis-Clark State College, said, “WorldCat Local will increase the visibility of resources at our library and in libraries within our communities, regionally and worldwide. The interface will be appealing for end users to search, find and obtain needed resources.”

This cooperative project is partially funded by the Idaho Commission of Libraries through a Library Services and Technology Act grant. WorldCat Local searching will be available at Boise State University, Lewis-Clark State College, University of Idaho and University of Idaho College of Law libraries by early summer.

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Media Contact: Julie Hahn, University Communications, (208) 426-5540, juliehahn@boisestate.edu

Boise State University is “The New U Rising” with record student enrollment, new academic buildings, additional degree programs and a growing research agenda. Learn more at www.boisestate.edu. 
 

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Last reviewed on Thursday, April 09, 2009