DevConnect Agenda

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DevConnect 2026

Thursday, April 30, 2026

WorldCat Metadata API integration in an XML-based approach for creating and uploading MARC from repository metadata. West Virginia University Libraries was faced with a challenge that many libraries have had to tackle: transforming repository metadata for electronic theses and dissertations (ETDs) into MARC to improve the discovery of these resources. Using python libraries, an XSLT transformation, and OCLC's WorldCat Metadata API, the Metadata Unit at WVU Libraries consolidated this process into a single script that transforms, validates, and uploads this metadata in one step. This presentation will include: An overview of the code used to retrieve repository metadata, transform it into MARC records, and validate and upload these records The benefits and challenges of implementing the WorldCat Metdata API Plans for future use of the API to address additional project goals, including deduplication Featuring: Cypress Payne, Metadata & Cataloging Librarian, West Virginia University Libraries

Thursday, May 7, 2026

Thursday, May 14, 2026

This presentation walks through a practical workflow I used to match OCLC numbers to monograph and screenplay(film scripts) records using the OCLC Search API v2. The session shows how API queries were designed and tested in Postman, how different match options (such as bestMatch and mostWidelyHeld) were evaluated, and how matched records were integrated into Alma for metadata enhancement. The focus is on experimenting with search queries and parameters—what worked, what didn’t, and why. Attendees will leave with a concrete example of how APIs can improve metadata quality, reduce manual effort, and scale cataloging workflows. Featuring: Minyoung Chung, Monographs and Special Projects Cataloger, University of Southern California

Thursday, May 21, 2026

Transforming Cataloging Workflows at Boston Public Library with Snapicat, a New Tool Using the WorldCat Metadata API. Inspired by past DevConnect events and cataloging tools developed in the library community, Boston Public Library (BPL) has developed Snapicat, a software tool that allows catalogers to query spreadsheets of bibliographic data against OCLC’s bibliographic database with the WorldCat Metadata API 2.0. Learn how BPL incorporates Snapicat into multiple workflows, such as: getting timely metadata on new books on order; cataloging deep troves of 19th century items and 20th century government documents ; and using shelflist cards and other inventory data to shrink our backlog of rare books; all while underscoring the value of the labor and ingenuity of the librarians and library assistants whose time and energy can be focused on the truly hard work! Featuring: Jay Colbert, Special Projects Cataloger and Mike Williams, Cataloging and Processing Manager, Boston Public Library

Thursday, May 28, 2026

Have you ever wondered how a product manager decides what to build next? In this final DevConnect session, take you behind the scenes for a day in the life of product management. Sean Duffy, Product Manager for Choreo Insights, and Karen Coombs, Senior Product Analyst for the WorldCat Search API, will share how product decisions are made focusing on what inputs shape priorities—from user needs and feedback to technical constraints and organizational goals—and how they weigh tradeoffs along the way. You’ll also hear a data story from each product area, highlighting how data guides strategy, validates direction, and helps teams deliver meaningful outcomes for libraries.