Add a Branch location in WMS

Step 1: Gather information

Once you are sure you want to add a new location, pull together the following pieces of information:

• Display name for the new location
• Holding Code for the new location
  • Holding codes are initially created or updated by the OCLC Profiling team. If you need to create or update a holding library code, send an email to profiling@oclc.org and include the following: 
    • First and last name
    • Email address
    • Phone number
    • Library name and OCLC symbol
    • New four-character symbol and the name/description for the holding code
• Shelving locations for the new branch or location
• Ability to filter search results by the new location
• Hold pickup location status for the new location
• Loan policy differences for the new location

Once you've gathered this information, follow these steps to start the process.

Step 2: Email support

Email OCLC Support with the following information:

• Desired Branch name
• Desired Branch Holding code

OCLC Support will pass your information on to the Profiling staff.

Step 3: Create the branch in the WorldCat Registry

Once profiling is complete, OCLC Customer Support will let you know you are ready to create the branch:

1. Create a new WorldCat Registry record for the branch location in OCLC Service Configuration> WorldCat Registry > Create a New Institution.
2. Once the new branch has been created in the WorldCat Registry, you'll be logged into your new branch's Service Configuration. Note down the Registry ID for the new branch. This will be next to the branch's name at the top of the Service Configuration.

   •  Note: If the institution already exists, note the Registry ID and send it in the email to OCLC Support above.

Step 4: Add Relationship between the branch and main location

Associate the branch with the main location by adding a Relationship in the WorldCat Registry.

To add a relationship:

1. In OCLC Service Configuration, go to WorldCat Registry > Relationships.
2. Click the expand symbol to expand the Add New Relationship accordion.
3. Enter search terms in the Find an Institution search box. Select a search facet. Options include:
   • Names Only
   • Main Address Only
   • Entire Record
   • WorldCat Registry ID
4. Click Search. Search results display on the screen.
   • The Search function will find exact matches first, then close matches.
   • If you do not find the appropriate institution, click the Add a new institution link to be taken to the Create a New Institution module.
5. To see more information about an institution, click the institution name to go to the Profile Summary for that institution.
6. Click Add As Relation in the Action column.
7. From the Select Relationship Type screen, use the Relationship Type drop-down to select how the institution is related. Options may include:
   • Branch
   • Main
   • Department Library
   • Academic Library System
   • Consortia or Group
   • Member of a Consortium or Group
8. Click Save Changes. The Relationship is added.

Refer to Relationships for more information.

Step 5: Add the branch to the Holding Codes Translation Table

1. Use the Change button at the top of the OCLC Service Configuration to return to the main location. 
2. Add a line to the Holding Codes Translation Table under WorldCat Discovery and WorldCat Local > Holding Codes & Shelving Location messages module with the desired Holding Symbol, Holding Code, Display name, Shelving Scheme, and Shelving Locations. 

   •  Caution: 

     • Add the branch's Registry ID to the Branch Registry ID Column.
     • You must specify at least one shelving location.
3. Add any loan policies for the new branch to the Loan Policy module.