Reporting with the Library Data Platform

Note: This documentation covers LDP v1.2.2 and FOLIO Analytics v1.1.1, which were released at approximately the same time as the FOLIO Iris release.

The Library Data Platform (LDP) is a project that develops an open-source platform which is utilized by both the FOLIO and ReShare projects to provide statistical and operational analytics. LDP software extracts data from FOLIO modules into a relational database (informally called “the LDP” by many in the FOLIO community), making it possible to engage in complex reporting and analytics using FOLIO data. While some FOLIO apps have built-in reports or the ability to download results from a search-and-filter workflow, the LDP supports larger and more complex queries that combine data from across the FOLIO apps.

Data Flow from FOLIO to the LDP

The basic flow of data from FOLIO to the LDP is described in the figure below. The LDP extracts data from the database used by FOLIO apps. From the LDP, data flows into two types of queries: derived tables (which simplify the FOLIO data and save the results back into the LDP) and report queries (which meet specific needs of report users). These queries are shared via the FOLIO Analytics query repository and also form the backbone of ad hoc querying.

The LDP software extracts data from the FOLIO database and loads into the LDP database. The FOLIO Analytics repository stores derived table queries, which add derived tables to the LDP database, and report queries, which build reports forreporting end users. The LDP database can also be used to store non-FOLIO data in custom tables.

Features of the LDP

Open-source software and query development
Built on trusted database platforms
Ability to create custom tables to import non-FOLIO data
Historical tracking of FOLIO records
Ability to connect from a wide variety of reporting applications
Ability to perform cross-app FOLIO queries
Ability to query FOLIO data without impacting production application performance
Ability to query a simplified FOLIO data model through the use of derived tables

Last modified February 22, 2022: change to correct FOLIO release on reporting index (8fc4bbb)