add function to search for groups by metadata

Author: sszepe

dspace_rest_client/client.py

@@ -1734,6 +1734,26 @@ def remove_subgroup(self, parent_uuid, child_uuid):
             )
             return False
 
+    def search_groups_by_metadata(self, query, page=0, size=20):
+        """
+        Search for groups by metadata
+        @param query: Search query (UUID or group name)
+        @param page: Page number for pagination
+        @param size: Number of results per page
+        @return: List of Group objects
+        """
+        url = f"{self.API_ENDPOINT}/eperson/groups/search/byMetadata"
+        params = parse_params(query=query, page=page, size=size)
+        response = self.api_get(url, params=params)
+        response_json = parse_json(response=response)
+        groups = []
+
+        if "_embedded" in response_json and "groups" in response_json["_embedded"]:
+            for group_data in response_json["_embedded"]["groups"]:
+                groups.append(Group(group_data))
+
+        return groups
+
     def start_workflow(self, workspace_item):
         url = f"{self.API_ENDPOINT}/workflow/workflowitems"
         res = parse_json(self.api_post_uri(url, params=None, uri_list=workspace_item))