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Understanding Shared Services

Understanding the shared services and the difference between WMS and Non-WMS libraries.

What is a WMS library?

What is WMS?

WMS (WorldShare Management Services) is a cloud-based library management platform that powers the Library Hub. Some of the libraries across the University of Divinity use this system in order to have a shared catalogue across colleges. This means, that WMS libraries will show holdings information as well as search results with live availability data. This will include the item’s location and call number, and whether the item is on loan, or available to be borrowed.

You can find the WMS libraries in the filters to the left of the search results.  

Go to Shared Library Services (WMS & Non-WMS Libraries) FAQs ➤

Shared Services Catalogue - What’s the difference?

Print Resources 

The libraries of the University of Divinity use a variety of library catalogues. Some use the OCLC World Management Services (WMS) catalogue in a shared catalogue arrangement. The holdings details of books and other print resources in these libraries, such as their location and call number, can be found in the Library Hub. You can find these libraries in the filters to the left of the search results screen. Click the "Show more" arrow to see all of them. When you find a print book or other item that is held by a WMS library, the holding will be shown in the brief record. This information will be live, meaning you will be able to see if a book is on loan or available.  

If the record tells you a print item is at University of Divinity Libraries, that means it is held by one or more non-WMS UD libraries. You will not, however, be able to tell if the book is available or not. To find where the book is held, click on the book title and scroll down to the Other Libraries Worldwide button at the bottom of the full record. This button will take you to a list of holdings around the world, with the ones nearest you at the top of the list. If you do not live in Melbourne, you can change your location to find libraries near you that hold the book. You can only borrow books from UD libraries and Melbourne University libraries, but most libraries will allow you to read books on site. 

If your library is a non-WMS library and you are looking for print books specifically from your library, you should consult your library’s catalogue system. 

Go to the Library Hub Searching Guide ➤

Creating an Account

Creating an account 

Any enrolled student of the University of Divinity can create an account on the Library Hub.  If your home library is a WMS library, you will be able to view your loans, renew loans, place holds and save your searches. 

If your home library is a non-WMS library, you will be able to place holds on print resources on the Hub and save your searches.  You will not be able to view or renew your loans from your home library.  These can only be managed on your home library’s catalogue system. 

Go to the Logging In Guide ➤

Accessing Course Reserves

Course Reserves 

Course Reserves is where you’ll find all the essential and recommended readings set by your unit coordinators in one handy list. If your home library is a WMS library, you have access to the Course Reserves feature. 

The items listed in your Course Reserves can be either in print or e-book formats. There may be restrictions on borrowing these print books depending on your library’s policies.  

To access the list of Course Reserves, jump onto the Library Hub and click on the Shared Services menu option in the middle of the screen.  Select Course Reserves. You can scroll through the list to find your course, filter for your College only or use the search bar to search by course or instructor. 

Go to Course Reserves ➤