WorldCat Discovery release notes, 19 November 2025
Release Date: November 19, 2025
Introduction
This release of WorldCat Discovery provides the following enhancements in addition to numerous bug fixes. These features will help you manage more complex workflows, including:
- Expansion of the Primary Title (ti:) index to all central index databases
- Improved display of text on elinks for central index records processed as books
- Expanded citation functionality for print journal records
- Proper handling of colon display when present in MARC 246 subfield $a
- Mass digitized format records now display ILL fulfillment button correctly
Many of these enhancements are the direct result of your feedback.
New features and enhancements
Improved precision searching with expansion of Primary Title index to all central index databases
WorldCat Discovery now supports searching using the Primary Title index in both the WorldCat database as well as all databases in the central index completing work for Phase 3 of te: index enhancements.
Details
The Primary Title (te:) index in WorldCat Discovery searches only the MARC 245 $a, $b, $n and $p subfields, providing more precise title matches for known-item searches. Unlike the Title (ti:) index, which searchesmultiple title-related fields, the te: index focuses solely on the main title. This improves accuracy and helps users quickly find the exact item they need when looking for a known item. Please note, the Primary Title (te:) index will appear in the advanced search drop down menu as a metadata element from any selected database
Phase 1: Primary title (te:) index added to the WorldCat database. Delivered March 2025.
Phase 2: Additional MARC 245 subfields $n number of part/section of a work and $p name of part/section added to the Primary Title (te:) index for WorldCat database records. Delivered July 2025.
Phase 3: Will expand the Primary Title (te:) index to include records from Central index databases. This will allow users to use the Primary Title (te:) index to search the 245 a, b, n, p when they exist in the WorldCat database, the WorldCat.org database, as well as other central index databases. Will be delivered with the November 2025 release.
Configuration
No configuration is required.
Visit Primary Title for additional information and workflows.
Expanded citation functionality for print journal records
When citing a record with the format type of print journal WorldCat Discovery from search results and item details users will be able to generate formatted citations using MLA, APA, or other supported citation styles in addition to current export options.
Configuration
No configuration is required.
Improved display of text on the elinks for central index records processed as books
WorldCat Discovery has revised the text on elink fulfillment buttons when central index vendor records are processed as ebooks but may represent non-ebook content. Usually these records will contain an ISSN or Journal title but are format type book. The text for records that are impacted by this scenario will change from "View eBook" to "Access Online". This does not impact WorldCat ebook records.
Details
The fulfillment button has been updated to “Access Online” for these records to better align with the actual resource type. This change helps users more accurately understand the nature of the online content.
Configuration
No configuration is required.
Bug fixes
Proper handling of colon display when present in MARC 246 subfield $a
When a MARC record with a 246 field subfield $a that contains a colon display in WorldCat Discovery, the colon will correctly display once. The interface will no longer display a duplicated colon in WorldCat Discovery item details display.
Mass Digitized records now display ILL fulfillment button correctly
Mass-digitized articles in Discovery now correctly show the ILL fulfillment button when configured for items held at libraries worldwide. This ensures users can easily request interlibrary loans, improving access to global resources and enhancing the overall user experience.
Important links
Product website
More product information can be found here.
WorldCat Discovery events
Support websites
Include Request ID with problem reports
When reporting an issue with WorldCat Discovery, it is extremely helpful to include the Request ID. The Request ID is found at the bottom of the screen on which the issue occurred. Including this information allows us to directly trace what happened on the request we are troubleshooting.
