CHICAGO — Application Programming Interfaces (APIs) are software tools that help different programs work together, and “Web Service APIs and Libraries,” published by ALA Editions, shows how to enhance an institution's presence on the Web using a variety of handy, popular programs. Focusing on widely adopted tools that all have immediate, useful applications, User Experience (UX) librarian Jason Paul Michel demonstrates how to integrate APIs into existing library websites as well as use them to launch new kinds of services. Offering step-by-step guidance, his book:
- Uses real-world examples to show how APIs can be used to promote library materials and events, visualize data, educate patrons and mobilize library services;
- Demonstrates how to create and manage widgets for photo galleries, instant reporting on computer/printer availability, featured book titles and book reviews from library users, tracking usage data and many other library functions;
- Includes instructions for working with popular tools such as Flickr, YouTube, Vimeo, Twitter, Google Charts, OCLC, Wordpress, Goodreads, LibraryThing and the Hathi Trust;
- Provides plentiful screenshots, snippets of HTML code and easy-to-follow samples to ensure that even novices will feel comfortable integrating APIs into their marketing plans.
Michel is User Experience Librarian at the Miami University Libraries in Oxford, Ohio. He has engineered numerous API projects at the Miami University Libraries, including Vimeo, Flickr and Twitter API projects, and has presented on these projects at state and national library conferences.
ALA Store purchases fund advocacy, awareness and accreditation programs for library professionals worldwide. ALA Editions publishes resources used worldwide by tens of thousands of library and information professionals to improve programs, build on best practices, develop leadership, and for personal professional development. ALA authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a growing range of print and electronic formats. Contact ALA Editions at (800) 545-2433 ext. 5418 or editionsmarketing@ala.org.
Related Links
"Web Service APIs and Libraries"
"User Experience (UX) Design for Libraries (THE TECH SET® #18)"
"The Transformed Library: E-books, Expertise, and Evolution"
Contact:
Jill Davis
Marketing Manager
ALA Editions
editionsmarketing@ala.org1-800-545-2433 ext. 5418
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