What is WorldCat?

WorldCat (worldcat.org), the world catalog, searches the holdings of US and major international libraries. WorldCat’s “about” page specifies that it covers “physical items like books, audiobooks, maps, musical scores, and recordings, along with electronic items like ebooks, e-journals, articles, and digital images you can access online.”

When to Use It

WorldCat is great for finding out what books are available on a topic and what libraries have them. You can request books that you find on WorldCat using your institution’s interlibrary loan service, or you can find a nearby library to visit that has the book you want.

WorldCat and Interlibrary Loan

Usually, you can’t borrow books or other items from a library unless you have a library card there. You may be able to get a library card for a local public library based on where you live, or for an academic library if you are a student at a college or university. When you want an item that your library doesn’t have, that’s where interlibrary loan comes in. Here’s how it works:

1. You submit a form asking your library for a book or other item. You can usually find this form on the library’s website.
2. Library staff locate the most convenient copy at a nearby library (or sometimes a faraway library, if it’s a rare item!) and borrow it on your behalf.
3. Your library lends the book to you.

Note that you ask YOUR library (one you have a card with) for an interlibrary loan, not the library that owns the item. However, many libraries are open to the public, so you may be able to use an item in a library where you don’t have a card if you visit in person. It’s  smart to call and ask first if it isn’t a public library, though.