Searching OCLC and Aleph

Scope:  Lists commonly used common command language (CCL) codes for searching bibliographic, holdings, and item metadata in Aleph.  Provides sample WorldCat searches via Connexion.

Contact:  Natalie Sommerville

Unit: Resource Description

Date last reviewed: April 5, 2023

Date of next review:  June 30, 2023

General (including link to OCLC login and export information)

This is not a comprehensive document on searching, which is better demonstrated and learned through practice than written about extensively. It is just a few hints on effective searching.

Information on OCLC login and export is described here

For items already barcoded in Aleph, searching by scanning the Duke barcode is the quickest way to retrieve the record. HOWEVER, be aware of the possibility of duplicate records, especially for items that are part of a set or series

Especially for current imprints the ISBN number is usually the quickest and most accurate initial search. This is especially true now that ISBNs are often printed in barcode form on book covers. These can be scanned into either Aleph or OCLC for very quick searching.

HOWEVER, be aware that records in OCLC and Aleph may lack ISBNs, so if the ISBN search turns up either no results or only unacceptable copy, try another search. Also, be aware that though ISBNs are theoretically unique identifiers, publishers may use them for more than one edition, and sometimes even for more than one title. Always check that the item in hand matches the record found.

In both Aleph and OCLC, there are two types of search, one ("find" or "search") for keywords and unique identifiers and one ("browse") for browsing index screens.

In Aleph, an ISBN may be entered as either a "find" or a "browse" search. Using "find" will take you to the desired record with fewer clicks.

In OCLC, ISBN is not a "browse" option.  For more information on searching in OCLC, see the Quick Reference Guide.

Unless the title is very generic, a title browse is usually the most effective second search.

Aleph CCL codes for DUK01 

Index codes from the DUK01 for use in CCL searches, and service retrieval. (see DUK01>tab>tab00.eng in Aleph Table Navigator)

Direct Indexes

 Browse Indexes