Change is Coming!

Effective August 30, 2017, a new look and a new way to search for resources is coming to the James B. Duke Memorial library.

The library is migrating to OCLC’s WorldShare Management Services (WMS). This is a cloud-based library services platform that provides all the applications needed to manage a library, including acquisitions, circulation, metadata, resource sharing, license management, and a WorldCat discovery service for users. It also includes a range of reports that helps libraries better understand their activities and track key metrics over time.

WorldCat Discovery will enable our users to find resources in our library and libraries worldwide from a single search. This tool also connects people to our collections via popular websites where people often start their research.

With the new discovery tool:

• Users have an easy way to find library resources through WorldCat and a central index of electronic collections. With one search on WorldCat Discovery, users can find and get items from the library as well as request items from other libraries.
• Users can search for library resources in all formats through a single search box. Experienced users can continue to construct more complex searches through the use of the advanced search option, and the use of database-specific indexes and command-line searching.
• Users can find the library’s resources as part of their normal research habits. The “Find in a Library” links on popular websites puts our collections in places where people often begin their research. These links direct users to WorldCat.org™, where they can click through to our library’s website.

We are excited about the changes and look forward to users’ feedback. Click here to preview the library’s discovery tool.