The SFU Library Open Data API

Holbrook, Todd and Mah, Calvin (2013) The SFU Library Open Data API. In: Access Conference 2013, September 23-26, 2013, St. John's, NL. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

The SFU Library has built an Open Data API. Information that is normally stored in non public accessible databases such as library hours, real time computer availability, and current items on reserves could previously only be accessed by our own website and developers. An Open Data API allows us to easily share this data with other units on campus, and the rest of the university community. The SFU Library Open Data API was first created to share items on reserves information with other units on campus. The question arose to what other data can we make available? Information such as which computer workstation is currently occupied could be shared. The data that creates our library hours is also made available. The open data movement has become popular in the last few years. Most of the open data initiatives have been initiated by government. Libraries have traditionally not become involved in either being neither a consumer nor producer of open data. The SFU Library Open Data API is a modest start, but by developing generalized shareable interfaces we can make our own information open and available.

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