Google Scholar Part 2
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Contents |
THIS PAGE IS UNDER REVISION WITH THE ADOPTION OF [WSU WORLDCAT] BY THE WSU LIBRARIES.
Introduction to Google Scholar Part 2
This page continues in more detail the features of the introductory Google Scholar wiki page. If you're lost, start there.
(10-10-09) Scales 16:27, 11 October 2009 (PDT)
What Other Options are Available through Google Scholar
- Open WorldCat
- Open Web scholarly sources (drafts, working papers)
- Book information from WSU Libraries' Griffin Catalog
What is Open WorldCat?
- "Open WorldCat" is a kind of sister-database to the subscription WorldCat. WorldCat is an extremely large database organizing the collections of over 10,000 libraries world-wide. It is the world's largest library cooperative, with over 70 million entries.
- The original (and base of Open WorldCat) is OCLC's WorldCat database, which has existed since 1971. This newer version allows people to access this extensive data over the open web.[1]
When should I use Open WorldCat?
Probably rarely!
- WorldCat is only useful after you have exhausted both the Griffin and Summit catalog in your search for books, films, videos, music, etc. Accessing material using Griffin and Summit is FASTER and CHEAPER.
- WorldCat is useful if you are doing serious, serious research such as for a Master's thesis or Doctoral Dissertation. It is also quite useful for geneological titles (family histories) that are only available from small public libraries. WorldCat provides you an exhaustive search.
How can I use Open WorldCat?
Go to the Google Scholar Preferences page. In the "Library Links" box, type "Open WorldCat." Check the box, and save your preferences at the bottom of the screen. You can also go directly to OCLC's Open WorldCat page.
Open WorldCat vs. Subscription WorldCat
- In most cases, it's dubious whether Open WorldCat offers much to the typical researcher at WSU. A better option is the subscription WorldCat. The reasons for this are listed below:
- Subscription WorldCat allows easy requesting of materials from around the world via the WSU Libraries.
- Open WorldCat will tell you where a particular item is located, but does not allow for direct requesting of materials. Requesting items is done between libraries - not between libraries and an individual. Here is an example of a record from Open WorldCat.
- According to an article published in December 2006, Open WorldCat only holds 4.4 million records out of the 70 million in the subscription WorldCat. 2
- The subscription WorldCat gives you an easy option of requesting an item using your ILLiad account. At the time of this writing, the WSU Libraries charge $3 for this interlibrary loan service.
Cited Sources
1. WorldCat.org Offers Search Access to Libraries' Collections. Dublin, Ohio, USA, 8 August 2006. Accessed 12-13-06.
2. Google and OCLC Open Libraries on the Open Web. Searcher. Nov/Dec 2006. Vol 14, Iss. 10; pg 44.