WorldCat Discovery release notes, 5 February 2024
Release Date: February 5, 2024
Introduzione
The following release notes are for the FEBRUARY 5, 2024 release of WorldCat Discovery.
WorldCat Discovery January Release Highlights
This release of WorldCat Discovery includes the following enhancements as well as a bug fix:
- View a notification when your query exceeds the maximum supported length
- IEEE Open Access database now available as part of the open access filter
- Configure the order of “Other” and “All” database groups for Advanced Search
Many of these enhancements are a direct result of your feedback.
Include Request ID with problem reports
When reporting an issue with WorldCat Discovery, it is extremely helpful to include the Request ID. The Request ID is found at the bottom of the screen on which the issue occurred. Including this information allows us to directly trace what happened on the request we are troubleshooting.
New features and enhancements
View a notification when your query exceeds the maximum supported length
With this release, we are introducing safeguards for complex queries. These will help OCLC ensure that WorldCat Discovery continues to provide your users with timely search results.
The safeguards place the following maximum limits on the number of words (space word space) that WorldCat Discovery will accept in a search query:
- Maximum number of words allowed in a search query: 30
- Maximum number of words allowed in a search query expanded with related and/or translated terms: 50
For these limits, WorldCat Discovery counts the following as 1 ‘word’ for query length:
- space word space
- Example: quick
- space “unanchored phrase” space
- Example: “the quick brown fox”
- xx=anchored phrase
- Example: ti= the quick brown fox
Access this help article on phrase search for more information on anchored versus unanchored phrase searching.
The limits apply to:
- Searches entered by users in WorldCat Discovery search boxes
- Storia della ricerca
- Saved searches
- Avvisi di ricerca
Users are not able to save searches or create alerts from searches that exceed these maximum word limits.
When a query exceeds these maximum word limits, WorldCat Discovery now displays one of the following error messages:
When a user enters a query consisting of more than 30 words:
When a user enters a query with fewer than 30 words, but search expansions increase the query to more than 50 words:
Clicking “turning off search expansion” will rerun the search with expansions turned off.
**Note: to ensure optimum search performance, these supported query lengths could be adjusted in the future. The WorldCat Discovery community will be notified in advance of any changes.
IEEE Open Access database now available in the Open Access filter
With this release, an additional database is now included in the Open Access filter:
-
IEEE Open Access database
Results from this database will now surface for users and will also display when the Open Access filter is selected.
Configure the order of “Other” and “All” database groups for Advanced Search
Libraries will now have access to additional configuration for the advanced search page in WorldCat Discovery. Prior to this release, libraries could configure the order of appearance for custom database groups on the advanced search page but couldn’t configure the order for “Other” and “All” database groups.
With this release, libraries will be able to configure the order for “Other” and “All” database groups to optimize the advanced search experience for their users. To access this configuration, navigate to Service Configuration > Metasearch Content > Default Databases and Licensed Content > Group Configured Databases.
Bug fixes
Leverage clustering options in the search alerts (beta) new results view*
Previously, in the new results view of the search alerts beta experience, users could not select clustering options. With this release, users will have access to all clustering options in the new results view: “Show all,” “Hide duplicates,” and “Group editions and formats.” Results will default to the flat “Show all” view.
*=WorldCat Discovery Premium and WMS customers only
New Content
This is a list of new databases added to WorldCat Discovery and WorldCat.org since our last update.
You can enable these databases as search options in the Licensed Content and Databases module of OCLC Service Configuration. Please remember that your library must have a valid subscription to these databases in order to enable them.
Below is a list of new database names and providers for reference. The complete list of databases is available here.
Available in WorldCat Discovery and WorldCat.org
From Alexander Street
Contemporary Global Issues in Video
A video only collection that updates the themes in the existing Global Issues collections. Encompassing international documentaries on humanitarian and environmental issues, this collection includes films on: child trafficking, life in refugee camps to post-conflict support and LGBTQ+ rights; anti-corruption protests and indigenous people’s movements across the globe; and the impact of technology on international security. Environmental-themed films illustrate the devastating impact of environmental degradation on the planet.
Filmmakers Library Online, Volume 3 - Canada
Another collection of award-winning documentaries presenting points of view and historical and current experiences from diverse cultures and traditions world-wide.
Filmmakers Library Online, Volume 3 -Outside North America
Another collection of award-winning documentaries presenting points of view and historical and current experiences from diverse cultures and traditions world-wide.
Filmmakers Library Online, Volume 3 – United States
Another collection of award-winning documentaries presenting points of view and historical and current experiences from diverse cultures and traditions world-wide.
Dance Online: Dance in Video, Volume 3
This collection spans a range of styles, from traditional ballet to hip hop, street dance, and modern dance. These performances push boundaries and offer a fusion between styles, providing a unique opportunity to learn and grow as a dancer. In addition to top-notch performances, the third volume offers instructional videos, documentaries, and interviews with world-class performers and choreographers.
Trade and Globalization Studies Online (Text)
This collection includes archives, books and case studies on current trade topics from the Institute of Diplomacy. This textual resource offers in-depth analysis, research papers, policy documents, and historical records that contribute to a comprehensive understanding of global trade and its effects.
Trade and Globalization Studies Online (Video)
This video collection is a resource for academics, policymakers, business professionals, and anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the global economy and its interconnectedness.
Women and Social Movements in the United States, 1600-2000, edited by Judy Tzu-Chun Wu and Rebecca Plant, 2023 Edition
The database brings together innovative scholarship, primary documents, books, images, essays, book and website reviews, teaching tools, and more.
From American Academy of Pediatrics
American Academy of Pediatrics eBooks
The AAP publishes professional and clinical resources for pediatricians and other child health professionals on a wide range of medical topics. AAP’s consumer line provides educational information and guidance for parents and caregivers.
From United Nations
United Nations iLibrary
Digital content created by the United Nations.
Important links
Product website
More product information can be found here.
Office Hours
Support website(s)
Support information for this product and related products can be found at:
- WorldCat Discovery support resources
- WorldCat Discovery training
- Nota sulla versione
- OCLC customer support
- Browser compatibility chart
If you have additional questions, please contact OCLC Customer Service by calling 1-800-848-5800 or 1-614-793-8682 Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. ET, or email support@oclc.org. For support enquiries in the UK and Ireland, please contact the Support Desk by calling +44-(0)114-281 60 42 or e-mailing support-uk@oclc.org. Support is available between the hours of 09:00 and 17:30 (UK Time).