Sierra REST APIs – Real World Applications

Steve Schoen, Product Manager

Sierra REST API v1.0 (Bib & Item APIs)

• GA on April 28, 2014• Provides RESTful access to Sierra Bib & Item data

for integration with library and 3rd party software components• Can be used to power Discovery layer of choice

and other library systems

What libraries can do with Sierra REST APIs

• Harvest catalog info to power discovery• Replace WebPAC ‘scraping’• Receive more real-time Bib and Item availability

results• Create custom web site features that “mash up”

Seirra data (e.g. recent titles)• Create custom reporting apps• Extend library systems with two-way access to

Sierra data• Place and manage holds• Retrieve and update Patron records

• Endless possibilities

v1.0

Late

r 201

4

Use Case: Marmot Library Network

“Marmot installed Sierra 1.2 April 30, and fast-tracked the installation of the APIs. The Bib API is already in production on a new server running our latest VuFind 2014 code for a few school libraries. Later this month it will be live for two publics, one academic, and a few schools; then gradually roll out to other libraries.

We had already been using Sierra DNA to make direct database calls to harvest catalog data into this open source discovery layer. At this point the "Bib API query by date updated" is handy to fetch changes in circ status every 15 minutes, so the Availability facet is pretty close to real-time, which is remarkable for a discovery layer.”

Jimmy Thomas, Executive DirectorMarmot Library Network

APIs Open Sierra to New Library Applications

Discovery Solution

Bib & ItemServices

Sierra

API

Custom Library Reports

Library Patron

Interface

Holds

Service

MultipleServices

PatronService

Multiple

ServicesFines Payment

ServiceCampusor

Library AppPay Your

Fine

Place a Hold

• Library Web site• “What’s new”• “What’s coming”

• Mobile App Integration• Populate and update

patron account info• Place holds• View and pay fines

• Custom staff reports and notifications

APIs for Publics: Better Service Models

APIs Connecting Campus Computing

• Campus Portal – library channel• Populate with Patron data – course reserves,

place holds, view fines, see messages• Student Information System (SIS)

• Update Sierra patron data from SIS student records and HR data• Update SIS, Bursar’s office with outstanding

library fines and fees

• Learning Management System (LMS)• Populate with Patron info• Present Course Reserves info• Ability to place a hold

APIs Connecting Campus Computing

• Custom staff reports and notifications• End of term fines purge

• Library Web site• New titles feed

• Mobile App Integration• Populate and update

patron account info• View and pay fines

APIs Connecting Campus Computing

API Roadmap

• New API updates throughout 2014 and beyond• Transactional APIs • Patron API• Holds API• Key circulation functions• Many more to come

What do you want to accomplish with APIs?

Companion IUG API Session

Be sure to attend my other sessionExtending Sierra with

REST APIs and Sierra DNA

Thank You!Thank You!