Subscriptions for library services

Libraries may contact OCLC Canada, a global library cooperative, to get subscriptions for shared library services.

On this page

• Paid OCLC subscriptions
• Apply for funding for OCLC subscriptions
• After you subscribe with OCLC
• Free access to searching for ILL

Paid OCLC subscriptions

Canadian libraries must email OCLC Canada (canada@oclc.org) to subscribe to the following services, ask about other OCLC services, or get costs. Libraries must agree to follow the rights and responsibilities of the OCLC cooperative after subscribing.

OCLC Cataloging and Metadata Subscription

The OCLC Cataloging and Metadata Subscription provides these benefits:

• search and retrieve MARC 21 bibliographic records with or without the use of the Z39.50 protocol, including records from Library and Archives Canada and Canadian libraries in Voilà
• share holdings information
• view and retrieve name authorities and Canadian Subject Headings (CSH)
• manage electronic collections
• get training and support

Simplified cataloguing interface in WorldShare Record Manager (formerly CatExpress)

CatExpress has been discontinued as of April 2024. The simplified cataloguing interface in WorldShare Record Manager is intended for small libraries and provides these benefits:

• search and retrieve MARC 21 bibliographic records using a web interface, including records from Library and Archives Canada and Canadian libraries in Voilà
• report and update holdings information
• get training and support

WorldShare Interlibrary Loan

With WorldShare Interlibrary Loan you can:

• search the holdings of libraries in Voilà and the global library catalogue WorldCat
• view policies and fees before borrowing
• manage borrowing and lending requests (borrowing libraries must pay loan charges, shipping, reproduction fees, and urgent service request fees)

Apply for funding for OCLC subscriptions

Library and Archives Canada funds two subscriptions for eligible small libraries: CatExpress and WorldShare Interlibrary Loan.

Find out if your library is eligible to apply for funding for OCLC subscriptions.

After you subscribe with OCLC

After you contact OCLC Canada to buy a subscription, they will

• contact you within 5 days about your request
• send you:
  • a master service agreement for you to sign and return
  • training material and technical support information

Free access to searching for ILL

If your library has an interlibrary loan (ILL) system, you may email OCLC Canada (canada@oclc.org) to request Z39.50 connection details to search Canadian library holdings without a paid subscription.

You may search for ILL policies and contact information for specific libraries in the Canadian Library Directory.