OCLC, the non-profit computer library service and research organisation, has announced the beta availability of the new WorldCat Discovery API, which provides access for libraries to search and find resources in both WorldCat and a central index of article and e-book metadata that represent the wide range of resources libraries provide to their users.
The WorldCat Discovery API exposes library collection data for items in WorldCat, including materials held by individual member libraries, consortia and libraries worldwide. Benefits include access to an ever growing collection of central index metadata for which OCLC has been granted rights; linked Data response formats, so that library collections can speak the language preferred by the Web; facet functionality, so that libraries can deliver a modern search experience with the ability to quickly drill down into search results; and access to the latest data models, including entities.
The WorldCat Discovery API gives libraries the flexibility to use an OCLC-developed interface, create their own application or use the two in combination.
The WorldCat Discovery API lets libraries rely on OCLC to manage the repetitive and resource-intensive tasks involved in keeping a local discovery index up to date. Library systems and development staff are then free to invest their time in other discovery projects, such as the creation of mobile apps, widgets and enhancement of current user experiences to suit their unique needs.
Libraries can use the WorldCat Discovery API to extend an alternative discovery service such as VUFind or Blacklight to include WorldCat results, and as a building block alongside other APIs to create a total user discovery experience.
The WorldCat Discovery API is now available as a beta to a select number of libraries that subscribe to FirstSearch, WorldCat Local or WorldCat Discovery Services. Full availability to all eligible libraries and partners is expected in early 2015. Developers will find documentation and sample code libraries on the OCLC Developer Network site, as well as instructions for how to request access to the API.
