Integrations

Last updated on 2026-06-02 | Edit this page

Estimated time: 21 minutes

Overview

Questions

  • What are integrations?
  • What work can integrations support?

Objectives

  • Explain what integrations are
  • Explain how integrations support advanced record actions
  • Set up an integration with the Library of Congress’ Z39.50 service

MarcEdit and 3rd Party Integrations

MarcEdit can interface (or integrate) with other applications. Integrations with other cataloguing utilities, such as vendor ILS and LSP systems and OCLC WorldCat, support advanced actions, including downloading records, pushing new records or record updates, and setting holdings (OCLC WorldCat). Currently, MarcEdit can integrate with the ILS Alma, Koha, or a local ILS if you can connect to the host database. MarcEdit can be set up to integrate with OCLC’s APIs for metadata and connect to OCLC or the Library of Congress (UTF-8 or MARC8) Z39.50 services.

For the ILS integrations you will need one or some of the following:

  • Host URL of the database
  • Username and password
  • OCLC Connexion username and password
  • Token
  • API Key

Integration with an ILS

At this time, MarcEdit supports integrations with the ILS Alma and Koha. The ILS integration will require you to request an API key from your systems person, your ILS vendor, or your hosting vendor. For additional support setting up the integration, you may leverage your vendor or user group community. For example, for Alma, you can reach out to the Alma listserv to get guidance or to the Alma Tech Blog on integrating MarcEdit with Alma. For Koha, this article from ByWater Solutions offers guidance on how to edit records in MarcEdit using the Koha MarcEdit integration.

Integration with OCLC’s API

For the OCLC API integration, you need to check if your institution is eligible and request an API key for this service. If your institution is eligible, you can request a key through OCLC’s developer network. You can also go to Preferences from the main menu in MarcEdit, click on OCLC API Integration and then click on the “Request an OCLC Key”. It is recommended to consult OCLC’s help page on setting up MarcEdit OCLC integration as well as Terry Reese’s information from his blog.

Integration with a Z39.50 Database

Many systems rely on the Z39.50 protocol to search and exchange data. It could be the case that your current ILS relies on it for Interlibrary loan. For this type of integration, you need the following information below. You can find this information at the Library of Congress Gateway to Library Catalogs of zbrary.

Field Value
Name Enter a name that helps you remember which Z39.50 service you are connecting to
Host The link to the host’s Z39.50.
Database Enter the name of the database
Port Enter the port number
Syntax Enter the flavor of MARC such as USMARC
Username Enter a username

For OCLC, this information looks like the following.

Field Value
Name OCLC’s Library Catalog
Host zcat.oclc.org
Database OLUCWorldCat
Port 210
Syntax MARC21
Username & Password Connexion Username of 3 numbers - 3 numbers - 3 numbers as in 100-034-090 and your Connexion Password

You can add multiple Z39.50 connections. To do this, go to the main menu, click on Tools, then Utilities, then Z39.50/SRU Client. In the new window, click on Actions in the upper left hand corner and select “Add new Z39.50 Server”.

Challenge

Challenge

Add a connection to the Library of Congress’ Z39.50 using the information below. What is the main entry if you search for the record number 983545.

  • Name: Library of Congress
  • Host: lx2.loc.gov
  • Database: LCDB
  • Port: 210
  • Syntax: MARC21
  • Username/Password: Leave Blank

Solution

  • Go to Tools in the main menu
  • Click on Tools -> Utilities -> Z39.50/SRU Client
  • In the new window, click on Actions -> Add new Z39.50 Client
  • Use the information above to fill out the fields
  • Click Save
  • Make sure the Query Database has “Library of Congress”
  • Make sure the Search box is set to “Record Number”
  • In that Search box, put in 983545
  • 1 result with the Main Entry of “Querelae & opprobira ventribuli, sive.”
Key Points
  • Understand what integrations are and why they are useful
  • Understand where to set up an integration