OCLC Web Services: Making data work harder
Did you know you can tap into one of the biggest pools available of comprehensive bibliographic data—however you want to?
It’s possible through a set of tools called OCLC Web Services. OCLC has been growing the options of APIs and apps available, so that you can take advantage of their rich possibilities.
OCLC Web Services, defined
The phrase “Web Service” is an umbrella term to describe machine-to-machine software that works over a network. Web Services benefit libraries because they simplify the exchange of large data sets and are compatible with multiple platforms and programming languages. Most OCLC users interact with data through product-specific, pre-designed user interfaces and protocols (such as WorldCat.org). But with OCLC Web Services you can build your own customized, specific services and apps that cater exclusively to your library users’ needs.
What’s new with OCLC Web Services?
There are a number of new services, enhancements and apps available, including:
- Dewey.info Linked Data
Dewey.info is a Web site that presents the Dewey Summaries as Linked Data. Use these language-independent dewey.info URIs and add them to the plain Dewey numbers in your system. Learn more about Dewey as Linked Data. - Facebook apps for WorldCat
The WorldCat and CiteMe apps have now been rebuilt to work on Facebook Pages, as well as individual profiles. CiteMe was also recently recognized by Mashable.com in a list of “15 Essential Web Tools for Students.” To see the CiteMe and WorldCat apps in action, go to the WorldCat Facebook Page and click the “>>.” Become a fan of WorldCat while you’re there! - Application Gallery
If you’ve ever wondered what other people are doing with OCLC Web Services, now you can satisfy your curiosity—and gain some good ideas for what you might want to do yourself. Have a look at this showcase of featured apps and mash-ups. - WorldCat Mobile pilot now in iPhone app store
If you have an iPhone and live in France, Germany, the Netherlands or the U.K, now you can download a country-specific WorldCat Mobile pilot app from the iPhone app store. Once you use it, be sure to send feedback so we can continually improve the experience
Jump in
It may seem intimidating to get started, but there are a number of free, no-cost Web Services available through the “tools” area on WorldCat.org. Production Services include the WorldCat Search API, WorldCat Registry APIs and Identifier Services such as xISBN and xISSN. Experimental Services such as Terminologies and Dewey.info are also available. Different Services have different requirements—but almost all of them are available for experimentation at a low-level, noncommercial use without eligibility requirements.
Start swimming
The OCLC Developer Network provides support and guidance for anyone who is interested to use OCLC Web Services. The Developer Network sponsors events such as WorldCat Mashathons (held recently in Amsterdam, with another one coming up in Seattle, Washington, USA on 5-6 Nov.). It also maintains a blog, wiki and an active listserv (WC-DEVNET-L) for library developers and technology-focused librarians.