Why did OCLC discontinue OCLC Classify?
Applies to
- Classify
Answer
Classify was developed in 2008 as an experimental classification service, but only a prototype was released. As such, Classify is built on aging infrastructure, and over its lifetime, other OCLC products and services that better meet the needs of users have been prioritized.
Effective 31 January 2024, Classify’s web-based user interface and API will therefore be discontinued.
If your library has an OCLC Cataloging and Metadata Subscription, you can perform similar searches via WorldShare Record Manager or the WorldCat Metadata API—both of which are available as part of your subscription—to find classifications. The WorldCat Metadata API features a new endpoint which allows you to identify the most popular Library of Congress and Dewey classification numbers for a given OCLC Number.
If your library does not have an OCLC Cataloging and Metadata Subscription, we encourage you to visit oc.lc/cataloging to learn more about the benefits of cataloging in WorldCat.