WorldCat Search API
Developer-level Access to WorldCat - for bibliographic holdings and location data
- Status: Production
- Sandbox access: Yes
WorldCat Search API 2.0 initial release available
The WorldCat Search API 2.0 supports much of the core functionality of the original WorldCat Search API in a streamlined JSON format. The API also allows enhanced access to local holdings record data across the cooperative, including shared print retention information.
As functionality is added to this version of the API, OCLC will announce sunset plans for the original version.
What you get
- Search WorldCat and retrieve bibliographic records for cataloged items such as books, videos, music and more in WorldCat.
- Retrieve single bibliographic records based on OCLC number, ISBN, ISSN, and other identifiers.
- Find out about libraries that hold an item based on OCLC number, ISBN, ISSN, and other identifiers.
- Find out about libraries that have committed to retain an item based on OCLC number, ISBN, ISSN, and other identifiers.
Who can use it
- Libraries that maintain both WorldCat Discovery and OCLC Cataloging subscriptions.
- Version 1.0 of this API has specific Terms and Conditions.
Commercial partnerships are also available (currently for version 1.0 only).
Automatic ILL Request Verification
Institution: Minitex
Developer: Paul Swanson
This application uses C# and the WorldCat Search API to automatically find library locations that hold the requested item.
Red Laser
Developer: Occipital.com
RedLaser is an iPhone app that turns your phone into a barcode scanner. It lets you check and compare prices for items such as books, videos and more—and it now includes library materials results.
Cite this
Institution: Miami University
Developer: Rob Casson
This application uses the WorldCat Search API in order to provide users with citations in various formats. Users click on the "Cite" link on a given record and a pop-up window with citations in APA, MLA, Chicago, and Turabian styles are displayed.