Frequently asked questions WorldCat

WorldCat is a catalogue in which you search on three levels: on a worldwide, national and local (Utrecht) level. WorldCat catalogues more than a billion sources, including both print and online available collections.

You will find the collection of Utrecht University Library in WorldCat, together with the material of thousands of libraries and publishers worldwide.

All over the world, more scientific and scholarly information is available than ever before. Since the Utrecht University Library collections only contain a small part of all information which could be of relevance to you, you will find the Utrecht collection in WorldCat, together with thousands of other library collections worldwide. 

This development fits in with the trend that the search for literature increasingly starts in systems that search on a global level.

WorldCat makes it possible to search global, Dutch and Utrecht library collections by using only one single system. You search all the material that has been included in WorldCat, whether it’s journals, articles,  books or other publications. The collection of Utrecht University Library can be found in WorldCat, together with the material of thousands of libraries and publishers worldwide.

Utrecht University Library offers the best entry for WorldCat with extra search and filter options. Please go to:

https://utrechtuniversity.on.worldcat.org

Click on worldcat.org for general access to WorldCat.

On a UU network you have automatic access. When on other networks you need to log in with your Solis ID or UMCU account to get full access to the licensed material of the University Library. Please note: when you log in as a guest you can search WorldCat, but you cannot access the Utrecht University licenced digital material, unless you are on campus. 

You also need to log in if you want to check your loans and requests and to renew the material you borrowed.

Digital material

Digital material is accessible via WorldCat, directly from the search result. Click on the blue button with view full text, view eBook, Access journal, Listen to audio, View now and Access online. Articles you found via the general search options in WorldCat often provide a link to the journal and not to the article itself. That is why WorldCat is less suitable for searching for articles. You will find more information about how to search for articles on the webpage Publication types.

Open access articles can always be consulted. Besides, the library has many licenced resources you can access. When you are on campus you have access always and off campus you log in with your Solis ID or UMCU account. Please check the page on online access for more information.

Physical material

Of course WorldCat also offers access to print publications at Utrecht University Library, but also to print material at other Dutch libraries or international libraries.

Local level

It is possible to request physical works from the Utrecht collection. First you click on the title and next on the blue button Request item @UU

Requesting from Dutch libraries and from libraries abroad

You request material from other libraries in WorldCat by clicking on the title of the book. Under Access Options > Request from Libraries Worldwide you find the button Interlibrary request​. 

You will get an application screen.

• If you are not yet logged in with your Solis ID, you still have to log in on a login screen.
• In the application screen, choose at Patron type whether you are a student, Utrecht University employee, UMC employee or other user. 
• You can add bibliographical data and comments in the form.
• If you agree with the conditions, click on submit request.

You enter your Worldcat portal and receive the confirmation of your request with is request number. You will also see an overview of your other ILL requests in your portal. You can access the overview of your requests and the progress of your requests via the portal.

It may happen that foreign material is not for loan. In that case you must consult the material in the Special Collections Reading Room in the University Library Utrecht Science Park.

There might be costs involved with requesting items from a different library. Please check our pricelist.

Borrowing free of charge or at a discount from other libraries

As a Utrecht University student or staff member, you can borrow books free of charge from all other Dutch university libraries and the library of the Hogeschool Utrecht. You collect the requested material yourself at the library in question.
Utrecht University students can register as borrowers at a 50 % discount at the Koninklijke Bibliotheek (National Library of the Netherlands).

You must adhere to the ILL regulations.

• Have a look at the general WorldCat information page
• In the WorldCat LibGuide you will find extensive information about the use of WorldCat

Utrecht University students & staff members

Click on sign in in the upper right corner of the webpage. The screen below appears.

Sign in with your Solis ID and password.

You can also type a search query in the search field first without logging in beforehand. If you click on enter or the magnifying glass, you will see the login screen below. 

Click on the blue button and log in with your Solis ID and password.

Not affiliated with Utrecht University?

You type your search query in the search field without logging in first. If you click on enter or the magnifying glass, you will see the login screen. Click on Continue as guest.

You request an item by clicking on the blue button "Request item @UU". You are asked to log in with your Solis ID. Please note: as a guest you have no access to the licenced library material when you are off campus. However, you have access when you are on campus.

Publications from Utrecht University Library automatically appear at the top of the list of search results. In WorldCat there is also an option to filter by material from Utrecht University Library, at the search results left in the screen under Held by Library. Please be aware that WorldCat does not search in the full text. This is also true for digitised sources.

The most practical way to find a particular edition is to add the year of publication to your search.

You can also click on View all. In the list which appears you will find all editions of a publication which are available via Utrecht University Library.

Do you want to make all editions visible in the search results, right from the beginning of your search? Uncheck the box Group related editions and formats at the top left of the list of search results.

Due to the transfer of the holding data to a new system, multiple volumes and journals have been identified where the volumes are not shown in chronological order at the reservation window. You can use ctrl-f or cmd-f to find the correct part or journal issue in the list. If this does not work, you can request the first result and indicate in the comments which specific part you need. A library employee will then continue to process your application.

It may happen that the links in WorldCat fail/do not work well. In that case search for the title in another search engine, such as Google Scholar and use the UBUlink to get access.

Have a look at the page on online access for more information.

If you are looking for all publications by one author in WorldCat, select ‘Author” under Search index in Advanced Search.

Tips when searching for an author:

• Only search by the last name of the author. In some title descriptions only the initials of the author are used and they will not show if your search includes the first name.
• If you have to many results, use the author filters in the search results
• You can also search by author as associated institution.

WorldCat is a dynamic system. New titles and data are added to the system continuously. That is why you find other search results if you consult WorldCat.

In the LibGuide Special materials you will find the best way to find certain special material types in WorldCat. These material types are:

• Manuscripts
• Early and rare printed works
• Maps and atlases
• Sheet music
• Testing materials

If you have any questions about looking for these material types in WorldCat, please contact us