Skip to main content
OCLC Support

Find an item at a nearby library

  1. Last updated
  2. Save as PDF
Discover how to find and borrow an item from a nearby library using WorldCat.org.

Overview

Find a Copy at a Library allows you to access an item through a nearby library. Items are divided into two tabs.

  • Featured libraries - Libraries in this tab participate in OCLC's Web Visibility program. The following information is provided for each library in the Featured libraries tab:
    • Name of the library
    • Distance from your current location
    • Address
    • Get Directions link - Click this link to open the library's location in Google Maps.
  • All libraries - Libraries in this tab have at least a cataloging subscription. The following information is provided for each library in the All libraries tab:
    • Name of the library
    • City, State, and Country
    Note about All libraries visibility
    If you have a cataloging-only subscription and are one of the following library types in OCLC Service Configuration, you will not display in this tab.
    Corporate

    Special Library

    Collection

    Correction Facility

    Other

    Program

    Project    		 Regional Service Provider

    School Library

    Unknown

    Vendor

    Government

    State or National Library

Borrow or obtain an item at a nearby library

  1. Click Borrow. You will be redirected to the library's catalog in a new tab.
  2. Click the button indicating you want to check the item out (e.g, Request Item, Request this item, Place Hold, etc.) from the library's catalog. The library's catalog will respond with a Request or Hold Verification page.
     Note: You may be prompted for an ID and password, and/or be asked to pay a fee.
  3. Enter your information.
  4. Click Submit. A confirmation dialog appears.
  5. Close the confirmation window.

(Optional) You can filter your results by:

  • Format - Click Any format and select a specific format.
  • Edition - Click Any edition and select This edition to limit the results to libraries who own this specific edition of the item.
  • Distance - Click Distance within 200+ mi and adjust the distance from your current location.
  • Library type - Select the Show only Public Libraries checkbox to narrow results to public libraries.