OCLC has launched the new WorldCat Metadata API that will enable member libraries and partners to build and share applications on the OCLC WorldShare Platform for libraries to catalog their collections in WorldCat.
The WorldCat Metadata API supports a variety of cataloging functionality for libraries to catalog their collections in WorldCat. Libraries will be able to create applications with the new API to add new and enrich existing WorldCat bibliographic records, and maintain WorldCatinstitution holdings and local bibliographic data.
Libraries can continue to catalog their collections in WorldCat using OCLC-built applications such as Connexion and the upcomingWorldShare Metadata Record Manager, or they can create new applications using the WorldCat Metadata API to manage their cataloging workflows.
“The information ecosystem defined by the Web demands access to data, services, applications and partnerships to thrive and meet the demands of today’s information seeker,” said Kathryn Harnish, Director, OCLC Network Experience. “Release of the WorldCat Metadata API will help library staff and partners create applications that can integrate with the services they choose, to help streamline their workflows and get the most from their services and service partners.”
The WorldCat Metadata API is the latest in a series of APIs released by OCLC on the OCLC WorldShare Platform, a global, interconnected Web architecture that supports OCLC’s cloud-based services and applications, and provides flexible access to library data through APIs and other Web services. Librarians and developers can use these tools to innovate together to build and share solutions for libraries that streamline and enhance library workflows.
The WorldCat Metadata API complements the WorldCat Search API. These Web services provide read and write access to libraries’ bibliographic and holdings data. A number of library- and partner-built applications already use the WorldCat Search API and have been well-received by the OCLC membership.
Visit the OCLC Developer Network to learn how libraries can get started using the new WorldCat Metadata API.
