Show-Me the World, initiated in 2000 by the Missouri State Library with support from MLNC, provides a forward-thinking opportunity for Missouri’s public libraries to bring better, more equitable library service to the citizens of Missouri.

With funds from the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), Show-Me the World is administered by the Missouri State Library, and encompasses three different services:

• OCLC WorldCat via FirstSearch
  The Missouri State Library funds a statewide license for public libraries to access WorldCat, the OCLC union catalog.  Participating libraries are required to allow patrons to search WorldCat.
• OCLC WorldCat Resource Sharing
  The Missouri State Library funds all public library interlibrary loan (ILL) transactions via OCLC's WorldCat Resource Sharing service. Libraries are responsible for the following costs: OCLC Access fee for Internet connection telecommunication charges, fees charged by lending libraries for lending materials or photocopying articles, and postage fees.
• OCLC Batchloading Service
  The Missouri State Library has contracted with OCLC for discounted pricing to load public library holdings into WorldCat.  If your library's holdings are not yet in WorldCat or are no longer current, grant opportunities may be available.

WorldCat is the OCLC Online Union Catalog, and represents 60,000 libraries with over 100 million unique bibliographic records for all material formats from 112 countries. Search WorldCat through OCLC's FirstSearch interface.

By signing the Acceptable Use Policy with Missouri State Library, you agree to allow patrons to use the WorldCat database.  You can link to one of the following addresses from your library's Web site or create a shortcut on patron computers:

• http://firstsearch.oclc.org/missouri (will work in library only)
• http://missouri.worldcat.org (will work for patrons at home, work, or outside of the library)

Additional FirstSearch user guides are available from OCLC as well as WorldCat logos for your Web site or other promotional efforts.  Contact OCLC support (800-848-5800) for technical support or for help making WorldCat available to patrons.

OCLC's resource sharing network provides access to over 9100 libraries and their holdings in WorldCat. Easily manage borrowing and lending via a Web-based interface with options for patron-initiated ILL requests, deflection for items you don't lend, and other time-saving features.  Online tutorials, documentation, and additional resources are available from OCLC.

Contact MLNC (800-969-6562) if your library is ready to start using WorldCat Resource Sharing.

Contact OCLC support (800-848-5800) for technical support or help administering your current ILL settings.

Contact Carl Wingo at the Missouri State Library (573-751-1822) if you're interested in joining their new courier service administered through KCMLIN.

OCLC Batchloading

Batchloading is the process where libraries extract MARC records from their automation system. That file of records is then evaluated and machine-matched against the OCLC database, WorldCat. OCLC sets your library holding symbol on matching records to indicate what you own in WorldCat. A list of the non-matched records is sent back to your library for reconciliation.

If your library already sends holdings to WorldCat via batchloading, remember that you can upload your data to OCLC via the web.

Contact Carl Wingo at the Missouri State Library (573-751-1822) to investigate grant opportunities for converting your card catalog or shelf list into MARC records (retrospective conversion) and/or installing an automation system.

If your library is considering contributing or updating holdings in WorldCat, contact MLNC (800-969-6562) to discuss OCLC batchloading and copy cataloging tools.

Contact OCLC support (800-848-5800) for technical support or help submitting batchload data.

Training

Missouri State Library underwrites several ILL and cataloging workshops in support of Show-Me the World.  Visit MLNC's training calendar to see what is currently being offered.  Staff from public libraries participating in the project are eligible to attend many of our classes at no charge.  Just look for a note on the workshop description indicating that Show-Me the World participants can come for free.