Final answer:
WorldCat is the database accessible from a library's homepage for finding materials globally when they are not available in local collections. By using WorldCat, students can usually obtain items through the Interlibrary Loan service.
Step-by-step explanation:
The tool for finding materials in the catalogs of thousands of worldwide libraries, which is also available from the library's homepage and can be exceptionally beneficial for identifying and obtaining book and audiovisual materials not available at the ODU Libraries, is WorldCat. Through WorldCat, you can discover which library owns a specific item, and typically, you can acquire that item via your library's Interlibrary Loan service. Interlibrary Loan (ILL) is a networked system whereby libraries lend books, articles, and other materials to each other. This system is crucial when a student requires a source that is not available in their home library. Additionally, it's always a good idea for students to seek assistance from a reference librarian who can advise on the right databases and search strategies. To summarize, libraries offer an extensive array of databases, such as Academic OneFile from Gale and Academic Search Complete from EBSCOhost, which provide access to scholarly articles. When materials cannot be found within these databases, WorldCat and Interlibrary Loan are invaluable resources for expanding your search to a global network of libraries.