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The LexisNexis Academic Web Services API (WSApi), also known as the LexisNexis REST API and previously called the LexisNexis Web Services Kit ("WSK"), is a subscription-based service that provides researchers with the ability to text mine the complete full-text news collections of LexisNexis. This service is an excellent option for individuals who need to mine the most current news sources ("LexisNexis Licensed News").

To access LexisNexis text data, both Penn Libraries and LexisNexis staff act as intermediaries. The timeliness of granting access and providing assistance is contingent upon LexisNexis' current workload. Therefore, it is strongly recommended that time-sensitive requests for API access be avoided, as they may not be feasible.

To use the API, technical expertise is necessary, including proficiency with Python, JSON, and XML at an intermediate level. Please refer to our API guide for more information about API. 

Are you a faculty member or Ph.D. student at the University of Pennsylvania looking for a custom, one-time data pull from a content area that is not included in Penn's subscription? If so, we can help. Connect with LexisNexis REST API representatives to provide you with a quote for a data pull tailored to your research needs.

Who is eligible to use the LexisNexis REST API at Penn?

• Eligibility:
  • Access to the LexisNexis REST API is available for Penn faculty and PhDs.
  • Faculty research assistants are eligible to use the API but must have the faculty member they are assisting request access on their behalf.
  • Masters students working on a thesis and undergraduates working on a capstone or thesis are potentially eligible, pending approval.
  • For all other individuals, please consult Text Analysis at Penn Libraries first.
• Permitted uses: The API can only be used for scholarly research projects or teaching purposes. Personal, for-profit, non-academic research or other uses of the API are strictly prohibited.
• Mediated access: Both Penn Libraries and the publisher mediate access to the LexisNexis Web Services REST API. Technical skills such as knowledge of Python, JSON, and XML are required to use the API.
• Current Penn-only: The API can only be accessed by individuals who are currently enrolled at or employed by Penn. This is due to the terms of our license agreement and no exceptions can be made.

Requesting Access to LexisNexis via REST API at Penn Libraries

• Pre-work in Nexis Uni:
  • Please refer to Pre-work in Nexis Uni guide from NYU Libraries 
  • Ensure that the titles you plan to analyze through text mining are available via LexisNexis.
  • Use keywords and limiters to preview and scope your results.
• Fill in the form below
  • Read before using the form:
    • Research assistants should not request access on behalf of faculty. The faculty member should reach out directly.
    • If you are an undergraduate student who is not assisting a faculty member, please check Text Analysis at Penn Libraries for other options first to determine your needs. Describe why you require REST API access specifically.
  • Be prepared to describe your research project:
    • Specify the news publications you plan to mine.
    • Include a description of the purpose of your research.
    • Specify the timeline of your project.

Be sure to provide your anticipated search terms. Here are some search query tips:

• There are two primary operators:

  • eq equal
  • ne not equal

• For example, records where the year is 2007 or the date is not October, 11, 1995

  • year(Date) eq 2007
  • Date ne "1995-10-11T00:00:00Z"

• You can also compare values:

  • gt greater than
  • ge greater than or equal
  • lt less than
  • le less than or equal

• For example, records between September 01,1978 and September 01, 1979 would be:

  • Date ge 1978-09-01 and Date le 1979-09-01

• Chaining queries.

  • Date ge 1978-09-01 and Date le 1979-09-01 and Source/Id eq 'MTA2OTUwNQ'

  • Each of the queries above can be chained using the AND or OR operators. For example, Date ge 1978-09-01 and Date le 1979-09-01 and Source/Id eq 'MTA2OTUwNQ'

• One of the best ways to build filter queries is to use the Lexis Nexis site here: https://solutions.nexis.com/wsapi

  In the expand section select PostFilters. The search results will then include all of the possible filters and their values. Rather than having to find the Id for New York Times, it will give you Source/Id eq 'MTA2OTUwNQ'.

Request Form

1. Please fill out the LexisNexis REST API Access Request Form to request access.
2. This form must be used for all access requests. Any requests submitted via email will be redirected to this form.
3. Please note that completing this request form does not guarantee access. All requests are subject to additional review and approval.

Access the LexisNexis Web Services Developer's Site. The site provides resources and documentation to help developers build applications that utilize the LexisNexis database and offers tools to help developers manage API access and monitor usage.

Reach out to jeff.clark.1@lexisnexis.com for further questions.