Tuesday, April 10th, 2007

LibraryThing for Libraries: XML format

The LibraryThing for Libraries “widgets” are designed to have three outputs, only one of which is really a widget:

  • As JavaScript, adding HTML to your OPAC
  • As a link to a web page, for for screen readers without JavaScript
  • As XML

The XML is aimed for that small percentage of libraries with a dedicated library-services programmer. XML would allow greater flexibility, for example mashing LibraryThing’s recommendations with patron borrowing patterns or holding status. But it would also require some serious scripting.

The XML we’re going to be delivering will be simplicity itself. Provide a ISBN and the “widgets” you want and get back items with ISBNs, titles, authors and your catalog URL. Here’s an example for “similar books” (ie., recommendations) and “related editons.” (http://www.librarything.com/demo_nypl.xml)

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