From WorldCat Developers' Network
Who can use the WorldCat Search API?
The WorldCat Search API is available to employees of qualifying institutions at no additional charge for non-commercial use. Qualifying institutions are OCLC member libraries that contribute to WorldCat* and are visible on WorldCat.org (by having a subscription to WorldCat on FirstSearch or other type of WorldCat.org agreement) may use the API at no additional charge.
Sign up for WorldCat Search API service at http://www.worldcat.org/wcpa/content/affiliate/.
(*) Contribution to WorldCat is here defined as maintaining an OCLC cataloging subscription or another agreement to provide a full representation of the library's currently cataloged bibliographic records. Libraries that catalogue in the Dutch GGC (Gemeenschappelijk Catalogiseersysteem) or in the CBS systems of CBS partner organisations also meet the cataloging qualification, if there is also a partnership agreement in place with OCLC.
Not a qualifying library
While the WorldCat Search API only available to OCLC's qualifying member libraries, I would also like to direct your attention to other OCLC web services that are available to anyone for non-commercial use. Looking at the list of services available on http://www.worldcat.org/wcpa/content/affiliate/ you’ll see that the WorldCat search box and WorldCat links with embedded searches are available to anyone. You may also be interested in checking out the WorldCat Registry, or low-volume use of the xISBN and xISSN services.
Also please note that by the end of 2009 OCLC will be offering a new WorldCat Basic API for anyone’s non-commerical use. If you want to get updates on this coming service, sign up for the OCLC Developer Network Listserv. To subscribe, visit this page and look for WC-DEVNET-L at the bottom. Participation in the mailing lists is open to anyone, as is access to any information on the Developer's Network web site.
Background on using the API | Sample Applications that use the API | Frequently Asked Questions | Known Issues | Service Levels | Who can use the web service? | Service Terms and Conditions | Planned Install Dates
