Alma provides the ability to access data via API calls, using scripts or tools like Postman.
We have a daily limit of API calls for all work done by the libraries, which includes requesting items, accessioning and managing records between CAIASoft and Alma, printing spine labels, and other workflows.
Because we do not have unlimited API access, we are being cautious in distributing API keys beyond those needed for core library workflows.
When we cutover to Alma, we will begin to have API reporting tools available that will tell us how our usage of APIs compares to our cap number, and we will have a better sense of how broadly we can distribute API keys for various projects. In mid-August, we will also begin to have access to our premium sandbox, which will be a test environment with a snapshot of Duke’s data, allowing for testing of API tools prior to using them against production Alma.
We will update this page when we begin accepting requests for API keys. In the meantime, questions can be sent to Karen Newbery (karen.newbery@duke.edu).