The Maryland State Department of Education announced today that the Division of Library Development and Services will celebrate the kick-off of MPOWER CAT – a database program that will enable customers of Maryland libraries to access all types of resources all over the world. WorldCat’s database, which is only available through public libraries, contains records of materials worldwide enabling library users to find books, e-books, videos, DVDs, magazine articles, and other items in libraries around the globe.
Library users in Maryland can access the WorldCat system either through their library homepage or through a search engine, such as Google or Yahoo, by typing, “Find in a library.” This search will access the WorldCat database and point the way to finding the item in a local library system – public and school-based.
“It is exciting to have access to a worldwide database that will help, not only our students and teachers in Maryland, but also anyone who visits their local library,” said State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick. “What an amazing opportunity to be able to gather resources from libraries all over the world at just a click of our finger.”
In addition, members of the business community will be able to find resources on companies and business practices, such as accounting or marketing, including publications from the Small Business Administration.
“Internet users can extend their research beyond their local library by using MPOWER CAT,” said Irene Padilla, Assistant State Superintendent for the Division of Library Development and Services. “Students of all ages can locate information for research papers, science fair projects, and book reports and teachers can find audiovisual and electronic resources.”
Thousands of libraries worldwide contribute information about their new resources to WorldCat daily, making it an international resource, not just to libraries in Maryland, but also to library patrons everywhere. Currently, more than 70 million records have been added to this world catalogue system. MPOWER CAT brings this world cataloging system to all Maryland library customers.
You can access MPOWER CAT by stopping by your local library. For more information visit www.marylandpublicschools.org.