Allow library users to place requests via the new WorldShare ILL form
Initially released as a pilot feature in December 2022
A new OpenURL-based request form for WorldShare ILL is now available for you to provide to your library's users.
With the WorldShare ILL request form, you can:
- Configure and customize the elements of the form to meet your library's needs
- Utilize an authentication method already in use at your library (e.g., OCLC/WMS identity management, IP)
- Provide access to the form from any discovery service (e.g., WorldCat Discovery, EBSCO Discovery Service, Ex Libris Primo)
- Receive and process requests in WorldShare ILL – without having to rekey them
- Automatically route requests submitted via the form to the automated request manager (ARM)
The new form lets your library's users:
- Place an ILL request for any item – “if you can find it, you can request it”
- Pre-populate bibliographic fields automatically
- Edit the bibliographic information to meet their needs
- Include their contact information and any notes about their request
- Receive the Request ID for their request, which they can save or print for later reference
Libraries that use WorldShare Management Services (WMS) can use this new form as a more fully featured and customizable alternative to the WorldCat Discovery request form, which will be retired at the end of July 2023. If your library has not moved from the WorldCat Discovery form to the new WorldShare ILL form by that time, OCLC will automatically set up the new form for you.
Example WorldShare ILL request form
The following sections will help you set up and use the form to generate borrowing requests. If you have questions or would like assistance, please contact OCLC Support.
Customizing the WorldShare ILL request form
The default WorldShare ILL request form is designed to include information for both copies and loans. It also includes the identifiers needed for staff and automation to find the right citation, and therefore holdings.
You can use the default form settings as is, but you will likely want to adjust the form to best meet your library's needs. In OCLC Service Configuration, go to WorldShare ILL > Patron Request Workforms > WorldShare ILL Request Form. You can:
- Add or remove fields
- Provide custom field labels
- Specify whether a field is required and/or editable
For a full list of fields and options, WorldShare ILL Request Form.
This single form is used for all ILL requests, but the system will preselect the Service Type (Loan or Copy) based on the type of request (e.g., book, article).
Setting up library user authentication and OpenURL resolver
To access the request form, the library user will be required to authenticate.
If your library... |
Then... |
Uses WMS |
OCLC/WMS identity management (IDM) is already set up. |
Does not use WMS |
IP authentication (with or without EZproxy) is recommended.
See:
|
Note: If your library would like to use a method other than IDM or IP, please request assistance from OCLC Support.
For both IDM and IP authentication, you will need to set up an OpenURL resolver. In OCLC Service Configuration, go to OpenURL Resolvers > Manage Resolvers and click Create Resolver.
For... |
Enter... |
Notes |
Base URL |
https://<yourregistryid>.account.worldcat.org/account/route/wsill/openurl?
Note: If your library uses EZproxy, prepend the EZproxy information:
https://<yourezproxyprefix>/login?url=https://<yourregistryid>.account.worldcat.org/account/route/wsill/openurl?
|
Replace <yourregistryid> with your library's Registry ID.
Replace <yourezproxyprefix> with your library's EZproxy prefix.
|
Resolver Name |
A description that indicates this resolver is for use with the WorldShare ILL request form |
|
Once your authentication and OpenURL resolver are set up, you can do some internal testing to review the form setup and submit test requests.
Providing ILL buttons in discovery services
When you are ready to give your library users access to the WorldShare ILL request form, you can configure ILL buttons in your discovery services. You'll use the OpenURL resolver you created above to configure an OpenURL 1.0 button.
For information on setup, see Configure OpenURL.
Note: If your library has been using the WorldCat Discovery request form, you'll want to remove buttons with the type WCRS/WS ILL and replace them with OpenURL 1.0 buttons.
Example ILL button
Receiving requests in WorldShare ILL
Requests submitted with the WorldShare ILL form will be acted on by automations (if set up) and/or sent to staff review. The Source for these requests will be WSILLFORM. You will see the form values submitted with the request in the corresponding fields in the staff interface. No more rekeying! Process the requests as you normally would.
For more information, see Process Requests.
Using key automations
By enabling the new WorldShare ILL request form for your library's users, you can more fully take advantage of the automations. Requests placed with the form will automatically route to the automated request manager (ARM). You no longer need to manually send requests to automation!
For example, ARM can do one or more of these actions for you:
- Create the lender string
- Send request to lenders
- Apply constant data
For more information and examples of basic automations, see Automated Request Manager.