Description
Today there are a variety of web services which can provide data which can be used to enhance library interfaces and services. From bibliographic data to author information to subject headings, the data available to libraries is growing exponentially. Open Library contains bibliographic data, covers, and author information. LibraryThing offers covers, ratings, awards and honors and a variety of other metadata. The New York Times offers an API for their best seller lists, movie reviews, and articles. Library system service providers too are offering more web services. Serial Solutions offers web services for their OpenURL resolver and Summon discovery platform. In addition, OCLC Web Services such as xISSN, WorldCat Search API, WorldCat Identities, WorldCat Registry, and QuestionPoint web service provide a variety of data which can be used to enhance and improve the experience of library users. Additionally, an increasing number of services which offer Linked Data are also available such as Dewey.info, LCSH (http://id.loc.gov/authorities), OpenLibrary, and VIAF (http://viaf.org/).
This workshop will provide hands on experience working with a variety of web services. Key library web services will be described and demonstrated. Participants will learn the basics of key search protocol; how to work with data in a variety of formats: XML, JSON, HTML and manipulate data from web services using both client and server side scripting languages. Attendees will learn about existing web services utilizing Linked Data and skills needed to utilized Linked Data. Then attendees with participate in a discussion of ways to connect library information with other Linked Data projects as well as how OCLC can expose bibliographic data in Linked Data format(s). Come and learn how to effectively use web services in your library applications.
