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What options are there to clean up our WorldCat Holdings in bulk?

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Symptom

  • You completed a weeding project and your WorldCat holdings were not updated with OCLC. Your WorldCat holdings are now out of date.

Applies to

  • WorldShare Collection Manager  

Answer

Below are some options and associated documentation for the processes that can help you clean up your holdings. There is no additional cost for data sync or streamlined holdings projects, as the cost is included in your cataloging subscription.  A reclamation project is the only data sync project that comes with an additional charge. 

Option 1: Data sync collections

You may be interested in setting up a data sync collection for your institution. There are different types of data sync collections available. If your library still has the MARC or non-MARC data from the weeded items, you could use a Delete WorldCat holdings data sync collection. This process involves setting up a Delete WorldCat holdings data sync collection in WorldShare Collection Manager, uploading the file of deleted records, and then OCLC will remove your holdings from records in the file.

Option 2: Request a Streamlined Holdings update

If you no longer have any records of what was deleted, you may want to consider a free Streamlined Holdings project. This process involves exporting a complete set of records from your ILS and sending the records to OCLC, who will set holdings on these records, followed up with a scan-delete on any WorldCat holdings for titles not included in this set.

Libraries with these subscriptions are eligible for a Streamlined Holdings update: Cataloging and Metadata, Holdings Registration, or CatExpress (records resulting from a streamlined holdings update will count against your CatExpress total record budget).

The Streamlined holdings update FAQ can help answer your additional questions and contains a link to the request form you will need to fill out.

Option 3: Reclamation project (fee associated)

Note that a reclamation project comes with an additional cost. A reclamation includes extensive consultation with OCLC’s holdings update experts to resolve issues related to records that are not updated through our automated processes. It also includes the option to enrich WorldCat records. The enriched WorldCat records and high-touch data counseling are not included in the Streamlined Holdings process. There is more information on Reclamation.  If you are interested in requesting a quote for reclamation, contact OCLC Support.