Friday, December 20, 2013

eiNetwork and OverDrive provide Circulation API solutions to partner libraries

In the fourth quarter of this year, OverDrive's new Circulation APIs have been integrated into several partner library online catalogs. Recently joining the list, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh/Allegheny County Library Association have launched Circulation API solutions through their ILS provider, eiNetwork.

The Circulation APIs enable seamless checkouts and holds within a partner's OPAC, giving end users one singular experience on the library's online discovery interface without having to leave the website to checkout eBooks and audiobooks. eiNetwork's objective was to give users a better overall experience.

"The seamless account for patrons has always been our goal," said Rebecca Serey, Director at eiNetwork. "The Circulation API allows eiNetwork to ensure our patrons have a consistent user interface experience via our catalog. We can also be more efficient in adapting new features/capabilities as they are released from OverDrive. The patron's experience is improved performance (faster response time) and they have noticed it."

OverDrive's full suite of APIs enable libraries to access catalog metadata, see availability, search the library's collection, authenticate user login information, and request checkouts, downloads, holds and returns within the library's own OPAC.

All OverDrive APIs are available through the Developer's Portal. The full complement of OverDrive APIs simplifies the user experience and promotes the discovery of digital media content on library and school websites, meeting the ReadersFirst guidelines. OverDrive APIs are used by developers and ILS companies to provide a streamlined experience for patrons looking to access libraries' full catalogs in one location. To add this functionality to your OPAC, contact your ILS provider today.

 

Heather Tunstall is Public Relations Specialist at OverDrive.

 

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