Collection API
Share your collection.
What is an API?
An API, or Application Programming Interface, is a tool that allows different systems and applications to communicate with each other. It provides a standardized way to make data and functions from one system available to other applications. This enables data from various sources to be combined and integrated into new, valuable solutions.
For example: with an API, you can link collection data to Google Maps' maps. This makes it possible to visualize physical locations on a map, offering practical applications and valuable insights.
REST brings rest!
Our API follows the principles of REST (Representational State Transfer). With REST, you can send commands to a server via a URL, and the server responds with structured data. In the case of the Collections API, we use JSON to represent the data.
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a compact way to exchange data that is also human-readable.
HTTP / URL
JSON {}
Content Negotiation
The URL structure of the API is the same as that of the Collection Publisher. A program can specify in a request header that it wants to receive JSON, allowing it to use the same URL as a human user. Instead of HTML, the program then receives the data in JSON.
Permanent Identifiers
Permanent identifiers, such as ARK (Archival Resource Key), are keys that give objects in a collection a unique and lasting identification. This means that an object can always be found, even if systems or web addresses change.
The use of permanent identifiers helps to keep collections accessible and findable. Additionally, they make it easy to keep links to objects consistent and reliable, which is especially important for museums and archives.
Want to know more? Visit the page about ARK identifiers for a more detailed explanation.
No license- or maintenance costs…
That’s right: for this product we charge no license or maintenance costs. Even the configuration and installation are free if you choose to do this yourself. Needless to say we can also take care of the installation and configuration. If you would like our help with these steps, we would happily write up a quotation for you. Additionally, if your application requires specific additions to the software we are eager to offer these with you. We like insight in who would like to use our product and work together on improving its features, that’s why the application is currently only available by request.