Search other institutions (Voilà)

Voilà, the National Union Catalogue, is a single point of access to the collections of libraries across Canada. Included are books, magazines, maps, music, and more, including works in special format (for example: Braille, large print, talking books, captioned videos, etc.), for persons who are print- or hearing-impaired.

Voilà is hosted by OCLC, an international nonprofit library co-operative.

On this page

• Contributing records to Voilà
• Z39.50 Access
• Database services for clients with disabilities
• Search help
• Contact information

Contributing records to Voilà

By subscribing to OCLC services, Canadian libraries can contribute to Voilà and help to provide a single window for Canadians and researchers from around the world seeking access to Canadian library collections. Information on subscribing to OCLC services can be obtained by contacting canada@oclc.org.

Z39.50 access

Libraries wishing to search Voilà using Z39.50 for ILL purposes may do so free of charge. To receive the Z39.50 configuration settings, please register with OCLC.

Libraries wishing to download MARC21 records from Voilà via Z39.50 for copy cataloguing will need a full OCLC cataloguing subscription. For further details, contact canada@oclc.org.

Database services for clients with disabilities

People with print disabilities who cannot read standard print due to low vision, learning disabilities or physical disabilities that prevent them from physically holding a book, require publications in alternative formats such as Braille, large print, audio and electronic text. Voilà contains records for works in alternative formats held across Canada, providing locations in support of interlibrary loans for Canadian libraries. This is a very important service, since only a small percentage of Canadian works are available in alternative formats.

In addition, producers who create alternative-format titles send bibliographic information about their intended productions to LAC, which creates pre-publication records; these pre-publication records are called Canadian Works in Progress (CANWIP). Other producers may search the national union catalogue prior to starting production of an alternative-format title, in order to avoid duplication of effort.

Search help

Detailed information on searching Voilà is available online, along with a training video.

• Search and use query syntax
• For more indexes to refine your search, see Selected indexes available in Voilà.
• Filter and refine search results
• How item bibliographic data is displayed
• Share records and create citations
• Use the Advanced Search screen

Contact information

For technical questions about using Voilà, contact canada@oclc.org.

For questions about joining Voilà or becoming an OCLC member, contact canada@oclc.org.

For other questions about services to Canadian libraries, contact servicesauxbibliotheques-libraryservices@bac-lac.gc.ca