WorldCat Frequently Asked Questions

Who can use WorldCat?

Why should I use WorldCat?

How do I use WorldCat?

What can I find in WorldCat?

Can I borrow items from WorldCat?

Who can use WorldCat?

Anyone in the world with an Internet connection!

Why should I use WorldCat?

If you are looking for a specific item which is not available in the Healey Library catalog, you can use WorldCat to find the item at other libraries and to request it through Interlibrary Loan. Some records in WorldCat include the table of contents, excerpts and reviews of the item.

How do I use WorldCat?

WorldCat is similar to a library catalog. You can search by keyword, title, author, subject and more. There are two ways to search WorldCat, through UMass Boston WorldCat and OCLC First Search. You will find the same items but the search and viewing options are different. 

• UMass Boston WorldCat provides a simpler interface. Libraries are listed by location which is determined by the user.
• OCLC First Search offers more search options and terms. Items available at UMass Boston are highlighted.

For more detailed information and instructions, view our Introduction to WorldCat.

What can I find in WorldCat?

You can find books, articles, journals, AV materials and more.

Can I borrow items from WorldCat?

No, you cannot borrow directly from WorldCat, since it is simply an aggregated catalog.  However, you can link directly from from a record in UMass Boston WorldCat to UMass Boston InterLibrary Loan and make a request.  You can borrow items directly from libraries which are members of the following consortia:

• Boston Library Consortium (BLC)
  
• Fenway Library Consortium (FLC)
  
• Massachusetts Commonwealth Consortium of Libraries in Public Higher Education Institutions (MCCLPHEI)

For information about borrowing, see Other Libraries.