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WorldCat Discovery enhancements digest

The WorldCat Discovery Enhancements Digest is a summary of new features and enhancements that have been added to WorldCat Discovery since January 2019. In the digest you will find recommended actions for enhancements that require libraries to configure/enable new functionality, as well as a comprehensive listing of recently released enhancements categorized by functional area.

Recommended actions

Actions that require a library decision to enable in WorldCat Discovery.

Recommended action Release date Related Links
Libraries using OpenAthens and WorldShare ILL: encode your remote access login URL October 2023 OCLC Service Configuration
Leverage enhanced sign-in configuration for WorldShare Identity libraries July 2023 July WorldShare Identity Management release notes
Configure the new WorldShare ILL Request Form February 2023, March 2023, May 2023, June 2023, July 2023 WorldShare ILL Release Notes, May 2023
Do a quick accessibility check on your library's WorldCat Discovery Instance August 2022 OCLC Service Configuration
Specify knowledge base order to promote either open access content or licensed content June 2022 WorldShare Collection Manager Release Notes, June 2022
Configure Search history functionality  March 2022 OCLC Service Configuration
Configure Save search functionality  March 2022 OCLC Service Configuration
Consider auditing your WorldCat Discovery search results and item details pages with the ‘Accessibility Insights for the Web’ tool to ensure that your branding choices are accessible. February 2022  
Configure navigation bar 'Resources' menu label November 2021 OCLC Service Configuration

Configure default sort of availability detail 

August 2021

OCLC Service Configuration

Automatically redirect users to interlibrary loan option when local items are unavailable for Place Hold

July 2021

OCLC Service Configuration

Branding configuration has been updated to clearly indicate which settings are applicable in the redesigned interface

July 2021

OCLC Service Configuration

Configure color for navigational bar and visited/unvisited links now available  June 2021

OCLC Service Configuration

Configure availability to highlight a single location or display an availability summary 

June 2021

OCLC Service Configuration

Customize the Access Options panel label May 2021  
We encourage WMS, Group Catalogs and Discovery Premium institutions to consider the new metadata fields for “Includes” and “Issued With” added to the item detail display. Institutions may choose the appropriate label and where to include these fields through metadata configuration if desired. April 2021  
Try the new item details metadata configuration options and view the resulting display in your library’s preview of the modernized interface March 2021  
Preview the WorldCat Discovery redesigned interface  December 2020

 

Update Level 1 WMS place hold form to support WMS circulation pick-up improvements

October 2020

Configure 856 links to surface full text and open access resources

August 2020

OCLC Service Configuration

Configure a custom notification July 2020  
Enhance My Account experience June 2020
Editions and formats display will reflect new edition grouping options May 2020 Search Settings
New options for grouping edition clusters in search results
Configure your search using authority files April 2020 Search Settings
Update labels for customized filters in the drop-down menus
Configure intuitive display of Print DDA fulfillment options March 2020 Local holdings records collection
Configure or confirm custom translations in Service Configuration modules if desired January 2020
Update filter labels December 2019 Search Settings
Adjust order of filters December 2019 Search Settings
Configure LibKey Discovery/BrowZine integration December 2019 BrowZine
Update new translation fields where needed November 2019
StackMap users, review the StackMap display option October 2019 StackMap
Review and update new Search settings module September 2019 Search Settings
Search databases not in the central index May 2019
Browse shelves virtually at WMS libraries May 2019 Browse the Shelf to view nearby items
Navigate from electronic items to physical items January 2019 OPAC Statuses, Locations and Circulation Policies
Navigate to other locally-held formats on search results January 2019 User Interface Options
Locate items in the library with StackMap integration January 2019 Locate items in the library with StackMap
Save search box generator configuration for reuse January 2019

New features by functional area

Search results

Enhancements that aim to improve the relevance and usability of the search results page.

Search tools

Enhancements that aid users in acting on search results.

  • Leverage new citation styles: Vancouver, IEEE, Modern Humanities Research Association, and Society of Biblical Literature (August 2025)
  • Search for works by or about a person using WorldCat Entity URIs (March 2025)
  • Revised sign-in statement on search history page (June 2022)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Revised sorting of the Author search filter (January 2022)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Additional 19 million items available in the Open Access filter (August 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Open Access filter available when searching WorldCat databases (July 2021) 
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Zotero and Mendeley citation support implemented (May 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Improvement to IIIF Viewer expansion and display on search results (March 2021)
  • New options for grouping edition clusters in search results (May 2020)
  • New labels for customized filters in the dropdown menus (April 2020)
  • Leverage citation style for APA 7th edition (April 2020)  
  • Minor design update to shelf browse metadata display (March 2020)
  • Configure search filter settings (December 2019)
  • Ungroup search results by default to support unique workflows (September 2019)
  • Keep filter selections for subsequent searches (September 2019)
  • Improved description for required search box actions for users of screen readers such as NVDA or JAWS (July 2019)
  • WMS users can virtually browse library shelves to view related physical items (May 2019)
  • Interface improvement (February 2019)

Detailed record

Enhancements that improve the interpretation of MARC data for end users and help users navigate to other editions and formats.

Access and Availability

Enhancements that help users consistently and intuitively obtain items

  • Prompt unauthenticated users to sign in when following a permalink to a record in a restricted database (October 2023)
  • Use a blank ILL form to place requests without finding an item (February 2023)
  • Place WorldShare ILL requests for items without an OCLC number (February 2023)
  • Automatically redirect users to interlibrary loan option when group (level 2) items are unavailable for Place Hold (March 2022)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Search within availability details to find volume, year, or item (February 2022)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: ‘View details’ link from Access Options panel to group catalog holdings display (January 2022)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Availability on demand now available in the modernized WorldCat Discovery interface (May 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Deep links for WorldCat Discovery users without availability (May 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: When no fulfillment options are available, WorldCat Discovery will no longer display a message to contact the library (April 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Best access options for streamlined availability display on item details (February 2021)

WMS / Group Availability and Place Hold

  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Updated text on place hold form promotes successful delivery of resources  (February 2022)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Recall integration available in the modernized WorldCat Discovery interface (May 2021)
  • Update Level 1 WMS place hold form to support WMS Circulation pick-up improvements (October 2020)
  • Configure custom text for Print DDA fulfillment options (March 2020)

Full text/Access Online links

  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Quickly access report a broken link and notes/license terms from a single full-text link (November 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Best access options electronic fulfillment updated to favor primary e-links over outgoing OpenURL (May 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Improved labeling of Report a Broken Link functionality (May 2021)
  • DOI will now display on A to Z page for incoming link resolver citations and searches (May 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Report a broken link added to the modernized interface (March 2021)
  • Configure 856 links to surface full text and open access resources (August 2020)
  • Improved display text for DOI links leading to PDFs informed by Unpaywall (December 2019)

Open Access and Freely Available Content

Enhancements that align to OCLC’s mission to privilege open access and freely available content.

  • Identify Open Access records with a new visual indicator (December 2025)
  • About 750,000 additional items available in the Open Access filter (September 2022)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Additional 19 million items available in the Open Access filter (August 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Open Access filter available when searching WorldCat databases (July 2021) 
  • New search index added to support Open Access Filter (October 2020)
  • Expanded access to content from Canadian government and education domains (July 2019)
  • Faster access to open content with addition of open access filter to WorldCat.org (April 2019)

Advanced Search

Enhancements that extend the functionality of advanced searching.

Course Reserves

Enhancements that improve the management and discovery of lists of materials reserved for courses 

  • Users will now see time items are due to be returned in the due date display for items in course reserves (May 2022)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Course Reserves actions are now available in the modernized WorldCat Discovery interface (February 2021)

Service Configuration

Enhancements that directly and significantly impact OCLC Service Configuration. Some smaller configuration changes are simply listed within a given enhancement. 

  • Display your institution’s privacy policy (October 2025)
  • Improve hold workflows by configuring fulfillment date requirements on the place hold form (April 2025)
  • Specify authority source when re-mapping subject headings with locally preferred subjects (November 2023)
  • Cancel and Save actions are displayed in a consistent order throughout Service Configuration (October 2023)
  • Configure sign-in promotion, custom notifications, and custom links label in new Header/Footer section of OCLC Service Configuration (July 2023)
  • Quickly determine which databases are restricted in OCLC Service Configuration (July 2023)
  • Create custom translations for user sign-in (July 2023)
  • Configure search grouping and expansion with other search filters settings (October 2022)
  • Customize preferred citation styles to display in WorldCat Discovery (September 2022)
  • Customize search box generator default grouping for search results (September 2022)
  • Increased shortcode limit for Talis Aspire reading lists to 50 characters (July 2022)
  • Increase character limit for custom text CTAs to better support all languages (June 2022)
  • Configure Search history functionality (March 2022)
  • Configure Save search functionality (March 2022) 
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery Interface: Configure resource sharing button for ZFL gateway (Germany) (February 2022)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery Interface: Configure navigation bar 'Resources' menu label (November 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery Interface: WorldCat Discovery Premium (non-WMS) institutions can choose between displaying item availability or deep links to their OPAC (November 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery Interface: Configure default sort of availability detail (August 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery Interface: Automatically redirect users to interlibrary loan option when local items are unavailable for Place Hold (July 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery Interface: Branding configuration has been updated to clearly indicate which settings are applicable in the modern interface (July 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery Interface: Configure color for navigational bar and visited/unvisited links now available (June 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery Interface: Configure availability to highlight a single location or display an availability summary (June 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Customization for Access Options display text (May 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Control your institution's transition to the modernized WorldCat Discovery interface (January 2021)
  • Custom translation functionality is now available to support translated database group names (October 2020)
  • View all availability within an edition cluster (May 2020)
  • Update to support future Authority Expansion functionality (March 2020)  
  • Quickly view selected databases first in Metasearch Content module (May 2019)
  • View service configuration updates to the Full Text OpenURL Resolvers (outgoing requests) module in real time (March 2019)
  • View service configuration updates in real time (February 2019)
  • Save search box generator configuration for reuse (January 2019)

My Account

Enhancements that help users maintain their WorldCat Discovery account profile.

Accessibility

Enhancements that help to make WorldCat Discovery usable and accessible for all.

  • Navigate through search results, item details, and search history page when using a screen reader (August 2022)
  • Aria labels for screen readers now match the display title (July 2022)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery Interface: Audit search results & item details to promote accessible branding choices (February 2022)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery Interface: Static ‘Loading…’ text message replaces animated spinners for users who prefer reduced motion (February 2022)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery Interface: Interface elements in focus with a keyboard use default browser focus style rather than branded colors (February 2022)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery Interface: View OCLC accessibility statement, cookie notice and information security management certificate (January 2022)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery Interface: Custom notification text accessibility maintained with default contrasting colors (November 2021)
  • Accessibility enhancements improve experience for people who use screen readers (May 2019)

General/Communication

General updates that impact multiple pages within the interface / Enhancements that help libraries better communicate with their patrons.  

  • Benefit from improved accessibility and usability in Saved Items and Personal Lists (June 2026)
  • Benefit from accessibility improvements to the modernized A-to-Z List page (April 2026)
  • Display ISBD punctuation automatically in Discovery (February 2026)
  • Display new title-level licensing fields for AI usage(August 2025)
  • Restrict access to your WorldCat Discovery instance (March 2025)
  • View a cohesive discovery experience across modernized and legacy pages (August 2023)
  • Navigate to borrowing history via a "borrowing history" link in the header & footer (July 2022)
  • See visited/unvisited links when viewing alternate links from the promote full-text link (June 2022)
  • Leverage citation style for MLA 9th edition (June 2022)
  • Saved items icon moved to the navigation bar (March 2022) 
  • Institution symbol and WorldCat registry ID will now appear in the footer (March 2022) 
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery Interface: View OCLC accessibility statement, cookie notice and information security management certificate (January 2022)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery Interface: Share via email has default subject line (November 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery Interface: Signed in users alerted to session timeout (November 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery Interface: Updated greeting for the Sign-in prompt (September 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery Interface: Improved formatting when copying a Citation (September 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery Interface: Share action includes sender's email for easy reply (August 2021) 
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery Interface: Improved formatting on the "Copy Link" action (August 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery Interface: Improved visibility of the search box when a light brand color is configured (August 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery Interface: Improvements have been made to secondary buttons with light search and fulfillment color (July 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Updated OCLC customer support contact information on WorldCat Discovery's feedback form (June 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Indicators of search relevance (highlight) multiple author experience improved (May 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Indicators of search relevance (highlight) Summary field truncated at three lines (May 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: DVD and Film icons updated (May 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Revisit icon size (May 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Design changes to Checkbox/Radio/Toggle states (May 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Search icon moved to the opposite side of the search bar (May 2021)
  • Arabic user interface (May 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Sign-in options now display based on subscription type (April 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Updated availability summary description better describes holdings (April 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Additional information is now included in author fields (April 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Improved default cover art display (April 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Transliteration is now available in the WorldCat Discovery modernized interface (April 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Send feedback moved to footer (January 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: WorldCat Discovery sandbox users will now see informational banner display (January 2021)
  • WorldCat Discovery redesigned interface preview (December 2020)
  • Configure a custom notification (July 2020)

3rd Party Integrations

Enhancements that create an integration between WorldCat Discovery and a 3rd party vendor. These require a vendor subscription to access.

  • Configure integration with Google Analytics 4 (May 2023)
  • View article retractions with active LibKey subscription (November 2022)
  • StackMap functionality is now available to WorldCat Discovery Premium subscribers with an active StackMap subscription (July 2022)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Talis reading lists implemented in the modernized WorldCat Discovery interface (May 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: COinS added to support Talis Aspire Reading Lists bookmarklet (May 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Integrate with LibKey Discovery from the modernized WorldCat Discovery interface to explore articles within journals (BrowZine) - (April 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: Libraries with LibKey (BrowZine) will now see their links display in the modernized WorldCat Discovery interface (March 2021)
  • Modernized WorldCat Discovery interface: StackMap call to action and modal now available in the modernized user interface (February 2021)
  • Integrate LibKey Discovery with incoming OCLC Link Resolver (January 2020)
  • Integrate with LibKey Discovery to directly access PDF content and explore articles within journals using BrowZine (December 2019)
  • StackMap can be displayed based on item availability (October 2019)
  • Locate items in the library with StackMap integration (January 2019)

Prominent bug fixes

More pervasive changes that impact the majority of WorldCat Discovery users. Most smaller bug fixes are not included here.