LibraryThing Feeds: Description and Guide
Version 2.0. May 20, 2021
Introduction
LibraryThing offers a number of XML data feeds to select libraries and bookstores, as well as qualified academic researchers.
- All data is provided in anonymized aggregates, except for reviews, which users may choose to exclude from distribution outside of LibraryThing.
- Our data partner, Bowker/ProQuest, is responsbile for all data sales.
- Data feeds are large, comprehensive files. They are distinct from the free APIs we provide to members and others.
- All data is provided under strict terms and conditions. Unauthorized acquisition and use of LibraryThing data is a violation of law.
- LibraryThing does not offer bibliographic data. For high-quality bibliographic data, including such as titles, authors, publication dates, covers and summaries, visit Bowker Book Data.
- Academic researchers should contact tim@LibraryThing.com to discuss their interest in the feeds.
Sample Feeds
| Works and Editions |
All-important file for linking ISBNs to works
|
Documentation Sample Feed |
| Reviews |
Member reviews of works, with ratings
|
Documentation Sample Feed |
| Ratings |
Aggregate member ratings
|
Documentation Sample Feed |
| Full Recommendations |
Detailed feed of work-to-work recommendations
|
Documentation Sample Feed |
| Series |
Complete information on series and the works in them
|
Documentation Sample Feed |
| Work to Tags |
Detailed feed of all the tags applied to works
|
Documentation Sample Feed |
| Tag Information |
Detailed feed of tags and their attributes
|
Documentation Sample Feed |
| Simple Works to Tags |
Simplified feed of approved, combined tags
|
Documentation Sample Feed |
| Tag Translations |
Tags translated into many languages
|
Documentation Sample Feed |
| Main Authors |
Main authors of works
|
Documentation Sample Feed |
| Secondary Authors |
Other authors of works
|
Documentation Sample Feed |
| Author Images |
Images for authors
|
Documentation Sample Feed |
| Awards |
Awards for works
|
Documentation Sample Feed |
| Characters |
Characters for works
|
Documentation Sample Feed |
| Places |
Places for works
|
Documentation Sample Feed |
| Quotes |
First, last and in-between words from works
|
Documentation Sample Feed |
Deprecated
| Simple Recommendations |
Deprecated feed of works to recommended works
|
Documentation Sample Feed |
| Series Information |
Deprecated feed of series for works
|
Documentation Sample Feed |
Usage Notes
Availability
- All files are XML, provided in GZIP format.
- Files are available by https. The location of the feeds, and the password to access, are sent by email.
- We aim to refresh the files every two weeks. The newest version is labeled "_current." Older versions are stored for some time.
- All feeds are complete and distinct. No "deltas" are made.
The Work System
The world of books is complicated. Many books exist in multiple versions, described as "editions," "formats" or "translations." LibraryThing aggregates all the versions of a book together into a so-called "work."
Versions are assigned to works automatically in the first instance, but can be reassigned by LibraryThing members in a process known as "Work Combination" and "Work Separation."
By its nature the work system develops over time, so work numbers cannot be absolutely relied on to stay the same. The "Works and Editions" feed provides up-to-date correlations between ISBNs and works.
LibraryThing work ids are known as "Workcodes" on LibraryThing and in these feeds.
Language Abbreviations
Language abbreviations in the LibraryThing feeds are based on the MARC/ISO 639 standard (http://xml.coverpages.org/iso639marc.html), a three-letter system for identifying languages. We add a number to this code for two languages with significant, uncaptured variants:
- por1 is Brazilian Portuguese
- por2 is Portuguese Portuguese
- chi1 is Chinese, traditional
- chi2 is Chinese, simplified (e.g., PR China)
Don't be a stranger
Email tim@librarything.com with questions or suggestions.