In a move that was first hinted at during Computers in Libraries, OCLC will create a specialized interface to Worldcat at WorldCat.org. Paula Hane at Info Today has the details in this NewsBreak. She says the new site (in beta) will go live in the next couple of weeks.

Of course, this will not be the first time a large union catalog from a major library organization has been available on the web. RLG’s RedLightGreen debuted in October, 2003, a full year before the Open Worldcat program launched in October, 2004.

ResourceShelf readers know that we’ve been big fans and admirers of the RedLightGreen project (and those leading it) and hope with the recent merger of RLG and OCLC we will see some of the many features (and expertise in terms of usage, promotion, etc.) available from RedLightGreen on OCLC’s Worldcat.org. The same goes with the expertise RLG has gotten from providing this service for almost three years.

Btw, RedLightGreen remains online at least for now. It’s currently searching over 120 million books. Of course, it’s one thing to have a database and it’s something else to get people (not librarians or other info pros to use it). Nevertheless, it’s a good step for OCLC. However, one has to wonder if OPACs are becoming easier to use (many would argue this point). Is spending the time to teach a user to go to Worldcat.org and use it properly any easier than going to their new and improved library OPAC? In the long run, what might this mean for OPAC developers? Yes, toolbars and plug-ins are cool but will they reach the person who doesn’t even know that library services are available online?

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