What is the Ulrich's XML Data Service?

The Ulrich's XML Data Service is a raw-data retrieval service that provides a comprehensive set of Ulrich's metadata that can be downloaded, stored, and used locally.

Is the Service an API for Ulrichsweb?

No. The Ulrich's XML Data Service is a standalone data retrieval service that is not connected to Ulrichsweb or Ulrich's Serials Analysis System. The Data Service is not intended as a means to request and receive metadata for individual Ulrich's records one at a time nor for batch-loaded ISSN or titles. (Separate information is available about the Ulrichsweb API that is a feature of Ulrichsweb.)

Why was the Ulrich's XML Data Service developed?

Academic libraries and consortia requested that we build a delivery mechanism that allows the capture of large Ulrich's data sets for use in their libraries' local systems and home-grown applications. We chose XML format for the output because XML is a standards-based format that can be imported into many different systems.

What types of library systems and services can Ulrich's data enhance?

Ulrich's metadata can enhance a variety of library systems and services that require an underlying database of comprehensive serials information. Examples of such services and systems include research and bibliometric tools, collection assessment projects, shared print repository development, and other applications. We offer several Ulrich's XML Data Service subscription options to let organizations choose the scope and type of metadata to meet their individual needs.

How do we sign up for the service?

The Ulrich's XML Data Service is licensed through annual subscription only. Please contact your account executive, or use the Support Portal option to submit details about the project in which you would like to utilize Ulrich's raw data.

What types of Ulrich's records are included?

The Ulrich's XML Data Service is designed to provide metadata for all of the serials in the Ulrich's knowledgebase, which includes all publication types, formats, and frequencies. Active, ceased, and suspended records are included to provide comprehensive coverage.

Which of the data fields in Ulrich's are included?

The bibliographic and publisher fields in Ulrich's records are included. The full-text reviews from Magazines for Libraries^TM and other review sources are not included. However, journal content descriptions are included. (Please refer to the Field List Supplement document for complete details.)

How current is the data that is available?

The Ulrich's knowledgebase is updated on a daily basis. The metadata provided through the Ulrich's XML Data Service is designed to be downloaded once per week.

How does a subscriber retrieve the Ulrich's XML data from the service?

Data retrieval is accomplished by simple calls sent via the SOAP protocol over HTTP. More detail can be found in the User Documentation referenced near the top of this page.

Who provides the software to send queries to the Ulrich's XML Data Service?

Subscribers use their own software clients to send queries and work with the data. However, along with the documentation package, we distribute source code for a simple example of a working client in the form of a C#.NET project. (See the Sample Client referenced near the top of this page.) Subscribers can use the client as-is, adapt it for their own storage needs, or use it as a template for implementing a client in their language of choice.

Are cookies required for the client to send queries to the Ulrich's XML Data Service?

Yes, any software client you create needs to have cookies enabled. More details are available in the User Documentation referenced near the top of this page.

Can we store the retrieved data locally?

Yes. Ulrich's XML data is designed to be pulled weekly and stored locally.

Where can we get documentation?

Documentation to be used by a library's technical staff (to set up your systems to use the Data Service) can be found in the links near the top of this page.

Whom do we contact for technical support?

Please contact the Ex Libris Support team using the Support Portal option.

How much does a subscription cost?

The cost of a subscription is based on the amount of Ulrich's metadata you license. You may license all available Field Groups, or a standard set of basic metadata groups, or the standard set of basic metadata groups plus other groups you select. Whatever amount of Ulrich's XML data you license, you may retrieve that data as often as you like during your subscription term.

Are trials of the service available?

Trials of the data retrieval service are not available, but Sample Records are available from the link near the top of this page.

How can we get the Ulrich's XML Data Service?

Please contact your account executive for pricing information or use the Support Portal option.