Move over algorithms and analytics… API was the hot buzzword at this year’s AALL Meeting and Conference in Denver.  It seemed that every vendor had an API to pitch. I attended a “Standing Room Only” program, The Law Library’s Role in Data Integration, APIs and Attorney Workflow Initiatives, which provided a goldmine of practical tips, experience and wisdom. The program was moderated by Dave DiCicco, Sr. Director Product Management LexisNexis. The panelists included: Erik Adams, Manager of Library Digital Initiatives. Sidley Austin; Pam Noyd, Information Resources Manager, Foley & Lardner LLP; Emily Rushing, Director Competitive Intelligence, Haynes & Boone LLP; Keli Whitnell, Senior Experience Database Mgr. Troutman Sanders.

The  law library has been in a process of deconstruction. Over the past decades codes, cases and commentary have been untethered from print. Now algorithms and analytics surface patterns of data extracted from commercial and internal sources.

Even before COVID-19 accelerated the death of the print library, law librarians had begun developing portals using APIs to deliver widgets,  continue reading on LegalTech Hub

Part 2 of this post including a Checklist for evaluating APIs will be posted later this week.