Access to OAIster
OAIster records are now fully accessible through WorldCat.org. This means that OAIster records will be included in WorldCat.org search results, along with records that represent the collections of thousands of libraries worldwide that add their holdings to the WorldCat database.
Now that all OAIster records are accessible through WorldCat.org, the oaister.org Web site has been redirected to a new OAIster Web site at OCLC. Any bookmarks you have made to pages on oaister.org will no longer work; you will need to access the new OAIster Web site to bookmark pages of interest to you in that location.
OCLC plans to release a freely accessible discrete view of the OAIster records in January 2010. Access to this view will be provided through a URL specific to OAIster. OAIster records will continue to be indexed in WorldCat.org and integrated into WorldCat.org search results, and available through the FirstSearch service to subscribers to the FirstSearch Base Package.
As a contributor to the OAIster database, your institution can access the database through the FirstSearch service at no charge, in addition to access to OAIster records through WorldCat.org. On FirstSearch, you can search the individual OAIster database as it has existed since its addition to the service in January 2009. To request access to the OAIster database on FirstSearch at no charge, please complete the required information on the OAIster Database Contributors Information form.
Metadata harvesting
OCLC remains committed to working with the community to build on the important contributions of OAIster to build a sustainable process for ensuring that open-archive collections will be discoverable and accessible to information seekers worldwide. The “Information for OAIster Metadata Contributors” describes OCLC’s current process for open-archive metadata harvesting activities. Please take a few moments to review these information points. In particular, please note that your institution may request removal of metadata from OAIster at any time and for any reason by submitting a request to oaister@oclc.org.
CONTENTdm users
If you currently use OCLC’s CONTENTdm Digital Collection Management Software, you have the additional option of uploading your CONTENTdm metadata to WorldCat for even better Web visibility, using the new self-service WorldCat Digital Collection Gateway. The Gateway enables you to choose the content and appearance for WorldCat display, as well as how often the metadata is synchronized with WorldCat. With your records in WorldCat, your collections are more visible and discoverable on the Web and you also have the capability to download the records to your local system. Learn more about the Gateway >>
Additional information about OAIster
OCLC looks forward to collaborating with your institution as we continue our efforts to expand the visibility of open-archive collections to information seekers on the Web. Please help us provide you with ongoing information about access to open-archive metadata by providing your contact information on the OAIster Database Contributors Information form.
Additional information about OAIster is available on the OAIster Web site. Please contact OAIster Product Management at oaister@oclc.org with any questions you may have.