Request Types

Overview:

Below is an abbreviated description of each request type available through the WorldCat Knowledge Base API. For a more detailed description please consult the detail pages for each type:

• OpenURL
• REST

OpenURL:

A subset of OpenURL 1.0 is used as the basis for the WorldCat Knowledge Base API request and response formats. The WorldCat Knowledge Base API also includes provisions for extensions to OpenURL (fields that are not strictly supported by OpenURL).

REST:

The REST service for the WorldCat Knowledge Base API is designed to allow the creation of various browsing interfaces to holdings in the Knowledge Base.  A client can browse or search providers, collections, or titles in the Knowledge Base.  In addition, the API currently supports an A to Z list implementation, allowing for a broad variety of clients and interaction methods. Please note that the A-Z list feature also includes searching by numbers and non-latin characters.

In it's current iteration, the API is read only, but is expected to allow full CRUD operations on data contained in the Knowledge Base in the future.

The Knowledge Base REST API is based on the AtomPub standard. For more details please consult: http://tools.ietf.org/html/rfc4287#page-21.