Overcoming disintermediation: a call for librarians to learn to use web service APIs

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to argue that academic librarians must learn to use web service APIs and to introduce APIs to a non-technical audience. Design/methodology/approach This paper is a viewpoint that argues for the importance of APIs by identifying the shifting paradigms of libraries in the digital age. Showing that the primary function of librarians will be to share and curate digital content, the paper shows that APIs empower a librarian to do that. Findings The implementation of web service APIs is within the reach of librarians who are not trained as software developers. Online documentation and free courses offer sufficient training for librarians to learn these new ways of sharing and curating digital content. Research limitations/implications The argument of this paper depends upon an assumption of a shift in the paradigm of libraries away from collections of materials to access points of information. The need for libraries to learn APIs depends upon a new role for librarians that anecdotal evidence supports is rising. Practical implications By learning a few technical skills, librarians can help patrons find relevant information within a world of proliferating information sources. Originality/value The literature on APIs is highly technical and overwhelming for those without training in software development. This paper translates technical language for those who have not programmed before.