The public API is available for everyone to use. It must be linked to an individual user's ORCID iD and, if that individual leaves your organization, you will need to set up a new set of credentials. You can use the public API to collect authenticated ORCID iDs and to read publicly available information in ORCID records
The member API is only available to members. In addition to collection authenticated iDs and reading publicly available information, you can also read information marked Trusted Parties, and connect information to ORCID records, for example, about your authors‚ publications. Basic membership entitles you to one set of credentials (one integration), while premium membership provides you with up to five sets of credentials (five integrations)