WorldCat
WorldCat is a mega catalog that allows you to search for books held in libraries around the world. WorldCat can help you find out if a library near you has a book you would like to use. You can use WorldCat to search for books in one library or many libraries at once.
The Harrisburg University Library is eliminating its print book collection. While the Library has an extensive eBook collection, it does not collect every eBook needed for every course. If you would like to try to borrow from a library rather than purchase books for a course and the Harrisburg University Library does not have it, you may be able to use WorldCat to see if it is available at another library near you.
Even if WorldCat does not indicate that your local public library owns a print copy of a book you need, they may be able to obtain a copy for you to borrow through their interlibrary loan services; however be aware that these services can take a week or more, so be sure that you factor the time when making a request.
To borrow an item from your local public library, you usually need to register and obtain a library card. Some colleges and universities extend limited print book borrowing privileges to members of the local community, often for an annual fee; however they will likely not allow visitors to download eBooks or use interlibrary loan services. It is advisable to contact any library you want to use and ask about their hours and policies before you visit in person.
Before using WorldCat, check to see if the Harrisburg University Library has the item you need by following the instructions on the Finding and Using eBooks guide.
WorldCat is a useful tool that helps you figure out where you can access books, but you should be aware of its advantages and limitations.
| WorldCat DOES | WorldCat DOES NOT |
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WorldCat connects you to the catalogs of many libraries around the world, so that you can find out if a book you would like to use is available near your location. WorldCat can help you identify additional useful books that you may not have already found. |
WorldCat does not allow you to download/borrow eBooks. You can only download eBooks from the websites of a public library or college/university when you are a current member of that organization or community, or from the publisher if the item is free or you are willing to pay for it. |
| WorldCat allows you to search the catalogs of individual libraries near your location. Sometimes, you can borrow a book from a local library instead of purchasing a copy. | WorldCat does not guarantee you access to the library in which a desired book is held. Call ahead to make sure you will be allowed to use the library and ask for their visitor policies and hours. |
| WorldCat tells you how many libraries around the world own a book. A book that is held by hundreds or thousands of libraries is more likely to be available for loan. If a book is fragile, unique, valuable, rare, and/or held by only a few libraries, you may not be able to access it. | WorldCat does not guarantee that a book is available for checkout. A book that appears in a library's holdings may be checked out by someone else, or may have other restrictions for use. Call ahead to verify. |
| WorldCat allows you to discover much more material than can be available in one library. |
WorldCat does not allow you to download articles or other eResources. You can only download articles from the websites of a public library or college/university when you are a current member of that organization or community, or from the publisher if the item is free or you are willing to pay for it. |