Using Postman and the Alma APIs to Delete Electronic Collections

Abstract

Deleting Electronic Collections in Alma is a click-heavy process and not possible to do in bulk. The Alma API allows for deleting electronic collections, but as a non-coder I needed a way to automate the process. Enter Postman to save the day {{Superman-swooshing noise}}!! Postman is an API development platform and client that provides an interface for a non-coder to send and manipulate API calls. This presentation will cover how to set up Postman to use a CSV file of Database type Electronic Collection IDs to delete them in bulk. This was useful for UC Santa Cruz's cleanup to convert erroneously created electronic collections to local portfolios. This presentation will also show how to string together multiple API calls to bulk delete Electronic Collections of Selective or Aggregator type starting with the MMSID. This is useful for cleanup of CDI collections that have no activated portfolios and do not need Alma activation, particularly for institutions using the CDI EasyActive setting.