Assessing the Usability of WorldCat Local: Findings and Considerations

A number of academic, public, regional, and state libraries use WorldCat Local (WCL) as a resource location tool that enables users to search, find, and gain access to a range of print and electronic resources. This article describes a study undertaken to assess a Research I university's implementation of WCL. The study sought to understand the usability and functionality of this implementation of WCL from a user perspective to: (1) gain a sense of how users viewed WCL as a research tool; (2) begin to understand user preferences regarding WCL usability and functionality; and (3) explore how users interact with WCL for information and resource location and access. The study sought to assess the usability and functionality of WCL as implemented by the host institution. The overarching research question driving this study was: to what extent do users find WCL (as implemented) to be a useful tool in finding information that meets their information needs (i.e., research)? (Contains 3 tables.)