Worl
dCat UMD includes several options for sorting search results. The default sort option selected is "Library" uses a relevance algorithm which prioritizes materials held by the University of Maryland Libraries followed by partner libraries in the Big Ten and USMAI. This sort option is generally recommended for beginning and general researchers; it helps you find the best resources you can access in the fastest time.
While the Library sort option may meet the needs of many researchers at UMD, advanced researchers may be searching for a known-item. In these cases switching to the "Best Match" sort is recommended. This sort option uses a relevance-only algorithm making it the best choice for known-item searching.
WorldCat UMD also includes a recency sort option. This option prioritizes search-results based on a relevance algorithm which includes boosts for more recently published materials. This option may be helpful for researchers seeking the most recent research or working on literature reviews.
Finally, WorldCat UMD does provide other sort including alphabetical sorting based on title or author name, publication date, and the number of libraries holding the item.
In WorldCat UMD, you will find a series of faceting options on the left-hand side of the screen. The top of this list features library options as pictured here. The default option selected is Libraries Worldwide which is the largest set of records, searching the entire WorldCat database. From here, you can refine your search by selecting library consortia (either the Big Ten Academic Alliance or USMAI Libraries) who maintain borrowing programs, such as UBorrow, providing access to their materials. You can also select to just search UMD Libraries (University of Maryland, College Park) or narrow your search further by searching collections at a particular UMD Library, like the Art Library.
