Library Nodes

Frequently Asked Questions

This page contains answers to our most frequently asked questions. If you cannot find what you are looking for, please get in touch with us.

Which extensions are part of Library Nodes?

Library Nodes currently comprise four extensions: Scopus, Web of Science Starter, Web of Science Lite, and Web of Science Journal. When you install “Library Nodes” from the update site, you get all of them; their nodes show up in the node repository below NodePit → Library Nodes.

Do I need an API key?

Yes. The nodes only wrap the official APIs, so you need credentials from the provider:

• Scopus: Register at the Elsevier Developer Portal to get an API key. Institutional access additionally uses an institutional token, and user-level access uses an OAuth bearer token — pick the matching authentication node (“Api Key Header”, “Api Key Query”, or “Bearer Auth”).
• Web of Science: Create an application on the Clarivate Developer Portal, subscribe to the API you want to use, and enter the key in the “Key” node.

Why does a node return an error such as “401” or “403”?

The provider rejected the request. Check that your key is valid, that it is subscribed to the API of the node you are using, and — for Scopus — that your network is entitled to the content. Many endpoints, e.g. the full text of articles and parts of the Journal Citation Reports, depend on your institution’s subscription. Library Nodes cannot grant access that your key does not have.

Are Library Nodes free to use?

The nodes themselves are free. Whether the data behind the APIs is free depends on your agreement with Elsevier or Clarivate, including their rate limits and terms of use.

How do I connect the nodes?

Start with the authentication node of the extension (e.g. “Key”), and connect its output to a request node such as “Search Documents”. Every request node outputs its results as a table and passes its configuration on at a second output port, so you can chain several requests one after another.

What does “Result Format” do?

It controls how the response of the API is turned into KNIME data. Pick the table format for a ready-to-use structure of rows and columns.

A query takes a long time and then times out. What can I do?

Add the “Timeouts” node from the “Advanced” category to the chain and increase the connection and read timeouts.

Can I use Library Nodes with the free KNIME Analytics Platform, including commercially?

Yes. There are no restrictions on using Library Nodes for any purpose, commercial or otherwise, with the free KNIME Analytics Platform.

An operation of the API is missing. Can you add it?

The nodes are generated from the specifications of the APIs. If an operation is missing or something behaves differently than documented, let us know and we will look into it.

What’s new? Is there a changelog?

Yes. This way please!