In July, OCLC will add metasearch functionality to WorldCat Local.

WorldCat Local metasearch will enable users to search your library’s collections, library resources in WorldCat, electronic resources from OCLC and other content providers from a single search with integrated search results. In addition, relevancy ranking will feature your library’s resources in results lists.

Learn more about the upcoming addition to WorldCat Local at a webinar on Thursday, June 25 at 1:00 - 2:00 PM Eastern. This program will include a sneak preview of the metasearch functionality planned for July along with overview of OCLC’s plans for future development of the service.

Register here to attend the WorldCat Local metasearch webinar:  https://www3.oclc.org/app/request/bin/request.asp?specialCode=WorldCat%20Local%20metasearch

If you’re a WilsonWeb user, and a MP3 player aficionado (and who isn’t these days?), check out WilsonWeb’s new ReadSpeaker functionality.  This new, free, tool converts HTML files from nearly 20 popular Wilson databases into audio files to either take along with you, or to use as read-along supplements, great for learning or visually challenged users.  To learn more, visit Wilson’s online demo.

WorldCat Local “quick start” is now included in subscriptions to the WorldCat database on the FirstSearch service at no additional charge, giving subscribing libaries additional options to deliver their own resources and those of libraries around the world in a single search.  Built on the popular WorldCat.org interface, WorldCat Local “quick start” includes:

• Your library’s brand in the URL, search box and user interface
• Your library’s resources displayed first in search results
• Interoperability with a single integrated library system
• Smart integration with your library’s existing delivery services
• Access to the same social networking tools available on WorldCat.org
• Article-level records from well-known databases with links to full text where available

To learn more about WorldCat Local “quick start,” or to register for a webinar introducing the service and its options, visit the WorldCat Local Quick Start page.

Nylink is pleased to share the news that our partner, Atlas Systems, developers of the Ares e-reserve management system, have recently made it possible to automatically cross-check your permission requests that are stored in Ares with titles covered under Copyright Clearance Center’s Annual Copyright License. To celebrate this expanded copyright management functionality, Atlas has announced a special promotion.  Through August 1, 2009 receive the first year of your Ares software subscription and server hosting at no cost when you purchase or renew your Annual Copyright License. 

Visit www.atlas-sys.com to sign up for a web demonstration of Ares or contact ares@atlas-sys.com for more information.  If you are attending ACRL, you can stop by the Atlas Systems booth, # 435, to learn more about Ares and this new integration with the Annual Copyright License.   

CCC will also be exhibiting at ACRL in booth #519. If you are interested in more information on the Annual Copyright License contact Chuck Hemenway by email at chuck@copyright.com.

OCLC invites interested libraries to a special webinar entitled, “QuestionPoint: Take a Second Look.” This webinar will be held on January 21 from noon to 1 pm, Eastern Standard Time.

QuestionPoint is a unique virtual reference management service that provides tools for libraries to
interact with their users via chat and/or e-mail, in cooperation with a global network of QuestionPoint libraries worldwide. Participation in the 24/7 Reference Cooperative is an additional option, and provides libraries with the ability to provide live chat reference services to their users, around the clock.

OCLC staff will also demonstrate some of the major QuestionPoint improvements, including the chat interface’s new look and feel. They’ll also discuss some special, limited-time offers for new and current QuestionPoint libraries.

This is a free, live web presentation during which attendees can ask questions of the presenter. Register online at: https://www3.oclc.org/app/request/bin/request.asp?specialCode=QP090121

Due to a power outage in our building caused by the ice storm on December 12, we did not receive any email from approximately midnight to noon on that day. If you sent us an email during that time and have not received a response, please re-send your email or give us a call. Sorry for any inconvenience!

OCLC has released the new NetLibrary Media Center, a full-featured desktop application that allows library patrons to easily search, manage, transfer and listen to eAudiobooks from their local library. The free software application allows users to connect to NetLibrary, and then download and begin listening to eAudiobooks with just one click.

The Media Center combines familiar user functions available from NetLibrary’s Web-based platform to browse, search and check out materials, and adds enhanced features and functionality—such as a full-feature audio player; seamless download to a portable listening device; and other features designed to improve the patron’s experience with NetLibrary eAudiobooks.

In order to provide users with access to the Media Center, libraries will need to complete a Media Center Activation Request and return to NetLibrary. Activation requests are available at:

http://www.oclc.org/audiobooks/media_center/Media_Center_Activation_Request.pdf

OCLC will accept activation request forms through December 31, 2008. As of December 19th, 2008, librarians will be able to turn the NetLibrary Media Center on themselves through the Library Resource Center (LRC). Instructions on how librarians can activate the NetLibrary Media Center through the LRC will be available in the near future.

Additional resources, including an online demo, Media Center brochure and updated eAudiobooks User Guide can be accessed below from the Media Center main page at http://www.oclc.org/audiobooks/media_center/default.htm.

OCLC’s next install of QuestionPoint is tentatively scheduled for November 23, 2008 at 2 AM ET. The new install will include the Forms Manager for chat forms, and other enhancements, including a new look and feel for the Flash Chat interface. Carol Bonnefil, QP chat guru at OCLC, will present several webinars to take users on a tour of the improved librarian chat interface and key features and to answer your questions. The next webinar is 11/19/08, 9-10 PM ET, and you can register via the QuestionPoint blog. If you’re not able to attend, each webinar will be recorded, and links to the recordings will be posted on the QP blog.

OCLC’s NetLibrary has announced its eBook titles are now certified through Serials Solutions KnowledgeWorks, which will ensure accessibility and support for NetLibrary eBooks through Serials Solutions e-resource access and management services, such as 360 Link, 360 Search, and 360 MARC Updates . Read the full news release on OCLC’s website.

Other Nylink partners whose products are certified through Serials Solutions KnowledgeWorks include: Chadwyck-Healey, CSA Illumina, Emerald Group, H.W. Wilson, Oxford University Press, Project MUSE, and ProQuest. Serials Solutions is also a Nylink partner.