Note that this is distinct from simply searching the system. Logins to search the system are freely available to all EAST members at anytime. Contact info@eastlibraries.org if you would like a login or need assistance in searching.
Sample Use Cases
This service is best used when you have a large number (e.g. over 3,000) titles you wish to compare to EAST retentions or for libraries that lack an OCLC cataloging subscription. For smaller requests, contact the EAST Program Team (info@eastlibraries.org) for other options.
Below are a few sample use cases:
- Compare a branch library that was previously excluded from EAST to understand its collection in relation to EAST retentions.
- Closing of a branch or weeding of a subject area to know what titles are unique to EAST and should perhaps be retained.
- Accidental withdrawal of materials that may have had retentions – checking against what Gold Rush says for a group of titles.
Limitaitons
- Gold Rush only indexes records once per month. Analysis would be limited to one set of records per month, e.g. one library or project at a time. Libraries will be required to sign up for the service, noting there could be considerable lag time between the time of signing up and receiving results.
- Comparisons would be based only on the Gold Rush matching algorithm, which tends to under match when compared to OCLC matching.
- Comparisons are to EAST retentions only, and do not include comparisons to unretained titles at other EAST libraries.
- Comparisons are limited to 1 million records per project.
FAQ
FAQ:
How do I sign up for this service?
Please fill out the form at: https://forms.gle/JjaR4yFxNKg7ocVp8. Once we receive this information we’ll be in touch to discuss your project.
What data can I expect to receive back?
The data you receive back will most likely be in spreadsheet format, and the contents of that spreadsheet will depend on the needs and scope of your project. N.B. that no item level data is included in Gold Rush, and thus won’t be available in any returned reports.
How long will it take?
Depending on the demand for this service it may be several months before your project can begin, and will take 5-8 weeks to complete. Once you fill out the interest form, we’ll be in touch with possible timelines.
What are the alternatives if I can’t wait?
For smaller scale projects we may be able to accommodate your needs using the OCLC API. Please contact us with your needs.
If you are interested in journal comparisons only, the Center for Research Libraries (CRL) offers a spreadsheet lookup service that can give you comparisons to EAST and other shared print programs serials holdings.
Gold Rush is also in the process of developing a batch lookup service based on spreadsheet upload. We expect that service to go live sometime later in 2026.
What is the cost?
There is no cost other than your staff time to pull and submit MARC records for comparison.