As a smaller institution with limited resources, Douglas College library has to rely for its reporting needs on tools provided in Folio and by Ebsco: Circulation Log, Lists app, API queries and Panorama. Collecting Reserves statistics ended up being one of the most challenging tasks for us, with our data in Panorama not aligning with what we had in the Courses app. Besides other circulations stats for the annual report needed some extra massaging. In this session I’m going to share some of the changes that needed to be made on our side and in Folio/Panorama that helped us to get the needed data for the internal and external library reporting.
Oklahoma State University (OSU) Libraries recently leveraged API technologies to develop a middleware tool that enhances library operations. This tool provides integration services between FOLIO and OSU’s student information system, generating reports and offering both scheduled and unscheduled bulk editing capabilities. Redbud Reports securely accesses FOLIO APIs, gathers and filters relevant data according to user preferences, and presents it in a user-friendly format, covering overdue items, user-related information, circulation, and inventory details. This presentation will demonstrate how consortium members submit report requests and specifications, highlighting the collaborative development process between librarians and developers. We will also provide an overview of the reporting system and its processes, discussing its functionality and the benefits it brings to member libraries.
Join me for a walkthrough on accessing and utilizing data from FOLIO through its APIs and PostgreSQL database. I'll begin with how to set up and use the FOLIO APIs and move to accessing raw data through PostgreSQL including utilizing tools such as DBeaver.
Building on these basics, I'll delve into real-world applications by showcasing several projects undertaken at Smith College Libraries. Examples such as:
Collection and Purchasing Reports: Utilizing PostgreSQL queries to create reports that visualize collections and purchasing data, including automating ACRL statistics.
New Materials Browsing: Enabled patrons to browse new books and videos combining EDS APIs with FOLIO data.
Enhanced Course Reserves: Access to Course Reserves through the FOLIO API.
Equipment tracking: Simple equipment tracking utilizing FOLIO's inventory APIs and real time availability tracking to give students a clear picture of what is available.
These examples will illustrate how raw data access can improve library services. Attendees will gain practical insights and actionable knowledge to apply in their own institutions, making the most of FOLIO's robust data capabilities.
