Syncing Patron Data With Alma REST APIs

Lingling Jiang
Sheridan College

Session description: The successful integration of Student Information Systems (SIS) with Ex Libris Alma was a critical component of the Page 1+ implementation project last year. While most colleges opted for Ex Libris' recommended XML file-based approach, we decided to use the more streamlined API-based option. In this presentation, we will share our experience of using Alma Users APIs, including our reasons for choosing this approach, real-world xml examples, and practical tools/tips for working with and testing APIs. We will also discuss the challenges and issues we faced during implementation and suggest possible enhancements for future development. 

By attending this session, you will gain a better understanding of how to manage patron data effectively using Alma Users APIs, and how to use the powerful and flexible Alma APIs to integrate with other external systems or applications to enhance your workflows in general. This presentation will be beneficial for anyone who is interested in using Alma Users APIs to synchronize patron data in their own institutions.

Learning outcomes:
By the end of this sessions, participants will be able to...

• Understand how to manage patron data effectively using Alma Users APIs 

• Apply practical tools/tips for working with and testing APIs