Customized Alma Automation Using APIs

Abstract

Libraries often have needs that are so unique that they will likely never be part of Alma's built-in repertoire. APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) can help libraries to build customized automations that aren't possible with out-of-the-box Alma. Using APIs, third-party applications can interact with Alma, including retrieving information and changing Alma data. The University of Manitoba has avoided many months of manual labour by writing web apps that use Alma's APIs to do things like fix our serial holdings mess, apply tax rebates to our funds, assign the appropriate e-resource authorization to off-campus user groups with EZProxy, apply and remove user blocks based on amount of fines owing, and more. Even if our specific Alma problems aren’t the same as yours, hearing about what we've done might give you some ideas about how Alma's APIs could help your library.