The California Libraries Catalog is being built by OCLC using the bibliographic and holdings information contributed by California libraries. The California Libraries Catalog can be searched by region, by consortia, by library types, as well as statewide. The Catalog uses the FirstSearch interface which provides three interface levels suitable for library professions and customers alike.

A second phase allows public library customers to find their library's materials on the open Web. OCLC's Open WorldCat program is a partnership with Google, Yahoo and a growing list of other sites that report library materials and holdings as part of the search engines' results sets. Californians will be able to use Google, Yahoo, or other search engine of their choice, They will be able to find materials in their local libraries by clicking on a citation and entering their postal code. They can then click to enter the library catalog and see location, call number, shelf status, and if authenticated, place holds in the library's circulation system at the individual's library discretion.

OCLC Western and Califa will work together to administer and provide training and support for this new union catalog. In the next two weeks, complete information will be sent to public libraries regarding locations and times for training, assistance with IP recognition and special opportunities to update and reconcile public library holdings. Training will include helping to use these new and important resources, as well as assistance with marketing the customer interface.

The State Library is proud to provide this opportunity to public libraries in California. For more information about Open WorldCat -- call OCLC Western at 800.854.5753.