WorldCat Discovery release notes, March 2022

View search history for current session

We are excited to introduce this new feature which will allow users to view their recent searches executed in a single, browsing session.

Non-authenticated users or users who are not signed in will be able to:

• View recent searches
• Re-run a search query by clicking on “Your search” term
• Delete search queries
• Share search queries

Note: For non-authenticated users or users who are not signed in, search history is tracked per session and is not saved between sessions.

A user can navigate to their search history view any time by clicking “Search History” in the navigation bar. Additionally, the user can access “Search History” in the footer and in the sign-in menu via “Search activity”.  ­­­

Configure custom text for the Save search action 

You can now configure Save search functionality ON/OFF per your institution. Additionally, you can configure this action to show on the search results to both authenticated and non-authenticated users. If a user is not authenticated, they will be prompted to sign in to use this functionality.  

This new configuration can be found in  OCLC Service Configuration: WorldCat Discovery and WorldCat Local > Display Settings > Save search.

The default text “Save search” will display on your WorldCat Discovery site. You can configure custom text and translations to fit the needs of your institution.

New icon for Save search action

The save search icon was updated to create a stronger brand recognition. This action is still tied directly to your saved searches in My Account.

Current Display: Search Results View

After March Install: Search Results View

Saved items icon moved to the navigation bar

The saved items icon has moved to the navigation bar for easier, more convenient access. This icon will now remain sticky as the user scrolls down the page. 

Current Display: Search Results View 

After March Install: Search Results View

Institution symbol and WorldCat registry ID will now appear in the footer 

The institution symbol and WorldCat registry ID associated with your instance of WorldCat Discovery will now appear in the footer above the session ID. Including this information allows us better trace what happened on a request when we are troubleshooting.

Availability dates will now display in DD/MM/YYYY format for the UK browser locale 

When the browser locale comes from the UK region (en-gb) availability will now utilize the European standard for displaying dates DD/MM/YYYY.

Variant records issue resolved for the search box generator 

With this install, the search box generator can now group results by work, by edition and view all variant records. It will reflect the configuration option and experience for the main WorldCat Discovery interface.

Variant record configuration can be found in OCLC Service Configuration: WorldCat Discovery and WorldCat Local > Search Settings > Search Defaults.

Search box generator configuration can be found in OCLC Service Configuration: WorldCat Discovery and WorldCat Local > Search Box Generator.

Automatically redirect users to interlibrary loan option when group (level 2) items are unavailable for Place Hold

In July 2021 we introduced the configuration option to Automatically redirect users to interlibrary loan option when local items are unavailable for Place Hold.  With the February 2022 release, this configuration is now extended to include redirection from your group (level 2) place hold form.

The local (level 1) and group (level 2) Place Hold redirect are both enabled using the same option in worldcat.org/config > WorldCat Discovery and WorldCat Local > Place Hold/Request Buttons > For items owned by <Library Name> Library > WMS Place Hold Form Display > WMS Place Hold Form Request Types > Display Place Hold Redirect Option.

Advanced Search "Clear" action will remove all text fields 

With this install, the "clear" CTA on the advanced search page will successfully remove the previous search term text. 

Holding summary now displays on search results 

For records that include an LHR holding summary, that summary will now consistently display along with the availability statement on search results.  Previously some users were either seeing no holding summary or were seeing location data for an individual volume/issue only until they visited the item details page, after which the holding summary would then also display on search results. 

Example holding summary: [Your library name] has v.1-v.16

Available in WorldCat Discovery and WorldCat.org

From Brill

A History of the Desire for Christian Unity Online - A History of the Desire for Christian Unity is a multi-volume reference work on the history of ecumenism.

The Encyclopaedia of Islam: An Anthology in Arabic Translation Online - The Encyclopaedia of Islam is the globally respected and preeminent reference work in the field of Islamic Studies.

Support website(s)

Support information for this product and related products can be found at:

• WorldCat Discovery support resources  
• WorldCat Discovery training
• Release notes
• OCLC customer support
• OCLC Community Center
• Browser compatibility chart

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.