This is a step in the right direction. Another next trick is that you
can do this:
http://lccn.loc.gov/2003556443/marcxml
Neat.
The only problem is that if you pass a bad URL (i.e. for an invalid LC
Card number, the resulting page for either MARC XML or human readable
view gives you a response code of 200 instead of 404. This means that if
you're basing functionality in your application to grab the data from
one of these URLs, you'll have to write a bunch of funky logic rather
than relying on the http standard.
Definitely a step in the right direction, but it needs tweaking.
- David
---
David Cloutman <[log in to unmask]>
Electronic Services Librarian
Marin County Free Library
-----Original Message-----
From: Code for Libraries [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of
Ardie Bausenbach
Sent: Thursday, February 14, 2008 2:34 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: [CODE4LIB] New LC Permalink Service
** Apologies for Cross-Posting **
The Library of Congress is pleased to announce "LCCN Permalink" -- a new
persistent URL service for creating links to bibliographic records in
the Library of Congress Online Catalog using the Library of Congress
Control Number (LCCN).
LCCN Permalink is a convenient way to cite items from the Library's
collection in your bibliographies, reference guides, emails, blogs,
databases, web pages, etc. Not only can you easily construct a permalink
yourself, but we also display them as part of the bibliographic record
in the LC Online Catalog (http://catalog.loc.gov/).
How to create an LCCN Permalink
Simply begin your URL with the LCCN Permalink domain name --
http://lccn.loc.gov/ -- then add an LCCN.*
Examples: http://lccn.loc.gov/2003556443 or
http://lccn.loc.gov/82643250 or http://lccn.loc.gov/mm78044693
* LCCNs should be formatted according to the info:lccn URI
specification
(http://info-uri.info/registry/OAIHandler?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=
reg&identifier=info:lccn/). Instructions are also available in the LCCN
Permalink FAQ: http://lccn.loc.gov/lccnperm-faq.html#n10
How LCCN Permalink works
An LCCN Permalink retrieves a MARCXML-formatted bibliographic record
using the Z39.50/SRU protocol. Both valid and cancelled LCCNs (MARC 21
fields 010a and 010z) are searched. LCCN Permalink displays are based on
the Full Record display in the LC Online Catalog. Not only can you link
directly into the LC Online Catalog, but you can also view the record in
MARCXML, MODS, and Dublin Core formats.
More Information
The LC Permalink FAQ at http://lccn.loc.gov/lccnperm-faq.html provides
additional information on this new service. Specific questions can also
be sent to the Library's Ask-A-Librarian service at
http://www.loc.gov/rr/askalib/ask-digital.html.
Email Disclaimer: http://www.co.marin.ca.us/nav/misc/EmailDisclaimer.cfm
