WorldCat and Zotero

MettePerle · 2026-08-24T13:29:11+00:00

Hi there
For some reason the connector won't download data from the worlcat library.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/zotero.org/images/forums/u3346783/035u4p9v322v4om7fky3.png
As my computer is turned out Danish, I'll translate the text in the error message to:
"An error occurred while saving with Open WorldCat. Trying to save with Embedded Metadata instead."
If 'accepting' this condition, the connector can't download monograph data, only very shallow webpage data.
Why is that and can it be fixed by somebody clever?
/Cheers, Mette Hansen, happy librarian user

AbeJellinek · 2026-08-24T14:41:54+00:00

What's the URL of the page where you see the error?

judyuwest · 2026-08-28T17:22:23+00:00

I'm also using Worldcat and running into the same issue, their link is probably this one: https://search.worldcat.org/title/1586894006?oclcNum=1586894006

I am also able to reproduce the error with Firefox 154.0.1 (Connector 5.0.212), Zotero 10.0.1 (64-bit):
https://s3.amazonaws.com/zotero.org/images/forums/u12048/jlxv69m34eh9eumylqzl.png

Other Worldcat error reports: https://forums.zotero.org/discussion/132738/report-id-471858674/p1, https://forums.zotero.org/discussion/132487/books-on-worldcat-wont-save/p1

AbeJellinek · 2026-08-28T17:40:48+00:00

Could you please provide a Connector Debug ID?

AbeJellinek · 2026-08-28T17:47:17+00:00

I pushed a potential fix for the issue reported in the latter thread - your Zotero Connector should auto-update within a few minutes, or you can update translators manually from the Advanced pane of the Zotero settings.

If you're still having issues after updating, please provide a Debug ID.

judyuwest · 2026-08-28T19:21:50+00:00

It seems to be fixed in regular Worldcat.org, however, there are individual instances of Worldcat.org differentiated by subdomains branded as Worldcat Discovery, and that continues to throw the same error.

Firefox 154.0.1 (Connector 5.0.212), Zotero 10.0.1 (64-bit):
Connector Debug ID: D1803720051

Steps to reproduce:
1) Go to: https://uwest.on.worldcat.org/search/detail/4352330?queryString=buddhist&idDetect=true&citeDetect=true&clusterResults=false&groupVariantRecords=true&newsArticles=off&bookReviews=off
2) Web translator does turn into book icon. But after clicking on it:
https://s3.amazonaws.com/zotero.org/images/forums/u12048/3lr9kaovmukj76nojoxn.png

Can re-post as diff issue if needed. Thank you!

AbeJellinek · 2026-09-03T15:32:38+00:00

Fixed (a few days ago, sorry for neglecting to post here). Your Zotero Connector should auto-update, or you can update translators manually from the Advanced pane of the Zotero settings. Let me know if you continue having any issues on WorldCat Discovery sites.

judyuwest · 2026-09-03T17:15:28+00:00

Confirmed it works on my end. Thank you!