Choosing Between Live API Integration and MARC Records
ePlatform titles can be added to your Library Management System through a live API integration or by importing MARC records.
A live API provides automated catalogue updates, while MARC records give your library manual control over which records are exported and imported.
Compare the options
| Consideration | Live API integration | MARC records |
|---|---|---|
| How records are added | Records are supplied through a connection between ePlatform and your Library Management System. | Records are exported from ePlatform and imported into your Library Management System. |
| New titles | New titles can be added automatically through the configured resource sync. | New records must be exported and imported manually. |
| Expired licences | Records can be removed automatically when licences expire. | Unavailable records must be identified and removed or updated manually. |
| Ongoing maintenance | Catalogue maintenance is handled through the configured connection. | Your library is responsible for maintaining the imported records. |
| Setup requirements | Requires a supported LMS, API access, a Client ID, a Client Secret, and resource-sync configuration. | Requires access to the ePlatform MARC Export tool and your LMS MARC import function. |
| File format | No manual MARC file is required for the catalogue connection. | Records can be exported in .mrc or .dat format. |
| Title selection | Titles are managed through the configured resource sync. | Records can be filtered and selected before export. |
When to choose the live API
A live API integration is generally the preferred option when:
- your Library Management System supports the ePlatform API;
- you want new titles added to your catalogue automatically;
- you want records removed when the corresponding licences expire;
- you want to reduce manual catalogue maintenance; or
- your LMS supports a configurable resource sync.
The live API is particularly useful for libraries with collections that change regularly, because the connection keeps catalogue records aligned with the titles available through ePlatform.
When to choose MARC records
MARC records may be more suitable when:
- your Library Management System does not support the ePlatform live API;
- you prefer to control which records are added to your catalogue;
- your LMS can import .mrc or .dat files;
- you only need records for a selected group of titles; or
- you are prepared to maintain the imported records manually.
MARC exports can be filtered by criteria such as format, title information, visibility, date range, or collection before the file is downloaded.
Because MARC files are static, your Library Management System will not automatically know when new titles are added or existing licences expire.
Live API requirements
A live API setup requires:
- a Library Management System that supports the ePlatform connection;
- the API to be enabled for your ePlatform library;
- a unique Client ID;
- a unique Client Secret; and
- resource-sync configuration in your Library Management System.
Contact ePlatform Support to confirm compatibility and request the integration. If supported, the team will provide the required credentials and available setup instructions.
Keep the Client ID and Client Secret secure because they provide access to your library’s catalogue connection.
MARC record requirements
A manual MARC workflow requires:
- access to Admin area → Integration → MARC Export;
- confirmation of the MARC format accepted by your LMS;
- access to your LMS record-import function; and
- an ongoing process for importing new records and removing unavailable ones.
Most modern systems use .mrc, while some systems may require .dat. Confirm the required format with your LMS provider.
Before importing the complete collection, export and import a test group of five to ten records. Confirm that the catalogue information, cover images, and borrowing links appear correctly.
Catalogue maintenance
Live API
Once the resource sync is configured, new titles and expired licences can be handled through the automated connection.
MARC records
Export and import new records regularly to keep your catalogue current. The existing repository guidance recommends performing a new-title export once a month.
You must also remove or update records when a title is withdrawn or its licence expires. Otherwise, students may find a catalogue record whose ePlatform title is no longer available.
Confirm LMS compatibility
The repository currently documents live API configuration resources for Softlink Oliver and Accessit Library.
To confirm whether your Library Management System supports the ePlatform live API:
- Submit a support request or email support@eplatform.co.
- Include your ePlatform library name.
- Provide the name of your Library Management System.
- Ask whether a live API connection is available.
If a live API connection is not available, you can use MARC records to add ePlatform titles to your catalogue manually.
Need help choosing?
Contact support@eplatform.co with your library name and Library Management System. The team can confirm which connection options are available.