XISBN
xISBN is a programming interface implemented as a web service that provides information on various editions and editions of a work using an international standard book number (ISBN). These different editions or editions of a work can also be referred to as "manifestations" in the sense of the FRBR model. xISBN is therefore an extension of the targeted ISBN query in a bibliographic database to other editions or editions of this same work. xISBN thus combines the targeted individual search for a work with the FRBR model.
Range of functions
xISBN was from early 2007 OCLC as an API (Application Programming Interface = programming interface developed). It accesses WorldCat's bibliographic data and enables access to this catalog according to the FRBR model at the manifestation level. The aim is therefore to provide a list of FRBR manifestations of the desired work based on an existing ISBN (for example all translations, new editions, hardcover or paperback editions, filmed versions and audio books). The xISBN API is suitable for integration into other application contexts in the sense of a mashup .
The following can be researched with xISBN:
- Metadata about different editions of a particular book title
- all versions of a particular title in WorldCat's inventory with currently 23 million ISBNs
- all manifestations of a work in WorldCat
xISBN and FRBR
Are displayed:
- Metadata elements such as author, title, place, year, current language, Library-of-Congress number, OCLC number.
- all manifestations in terms of FRBR (regardless of 10-ISBN or 13-ISBN).
- Information on the analog availability of media ( referred to as items in the FRBR model) in an owning library.
- Information on the digital availability of online resources.
- First editions for older works also without ISBN .
xISBN and WorldCat
In WorldCat of OCLC are currently polled over 23 million ISBNs.
A search for the title “Robinson Crusoe”, for example, yields 916 hits on different manifestations in the sense of the FRBR .
Application example: HEIDI (catalog of the Heidelberg University Library)