Cathy N. HartmanUniversity of North Texas

Libraries

October 10, 1998

Cathy N. HartmanUniversity of North Texas

Libraries

October 10, 1998

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Z39.50 in Action -- Video Demonstration Z39.50 Overview Z39.50 Implementation Options Texas Z39.50 Initiative Question and Answer Session

Lepchenske:

Tell audience briefly what the presentation covers

Three Parts

1. Z39.50 Basics

2. Functionality of Implementation

3. Texas Z39.50 Initiative

Followed by a Question and Answer Session and Handout to Obtain Additional Information

Lepchenske:

Tell audience briefly what the presentation covers

Three Parts

1. Z39.50 Basics

2. Functionality of Implementation

3. Texas Z39.50 Initiative

Followed by a Question and Answer Session and Handout to Obtain Additional Information

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Part 1. Z39.50 Overview

Definition Purpose Benefits Z39.50 Client/Server Model

Lepchenske:

Part 1 Z39.50 Basics

Definition

Purpose

Benefits

Models

Concerns

Lepchenske:

Part 1 Z39.50 Basics

Definition

Purpose

Benefits

Models

Concerns

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What Is Z39.50? An American National Standard

• Z39.50 means it was developed by NISO• Z39.50 means it was the 50th standard approved by

NISO Z39.50 is a set of specifications, procedure, and

structures that allow two computers to communicate.

Z39.50 allows users to search one or more databases or library catalogs as if they were searching their own system.

Lepchenske:

Use Fay Turner’s Language “The Basics”

Lepchenske:

Use Fay Turner’s Language “The Basics”

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Purpose of Z39.50

To overcome problems of multiple database searching

To allow users of one system:• to search databases on another system• to retrieve records from that system• without knowing the unique features of each

database system

Lepchenske:

Distributed Search and Retrieval

Lepchenske:

Distributed Search and Retrieval

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Benefits of Z39.50 Simplifies the process of searching multiple

databases by providing a single search and retrieval interface to multiple resources

Software and hardware independence Search and retrieve bibliographic and non-

bibliographic resources (integrated access) Lays a technical foundation for resource

sharing (online access to remote resources)

Lepchenske:

•Single Interface

•Resource Sharing

•Software and Hardware Independent

•Integrated Access for Record Retrieval

Lepchenske:

•Single Interface

•Resource Sharing

•Software and Hardware Independent

•Integrated Access for Record Retrieval

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How Does Z39.50 Work?

Z39.50 specifications provide a “language” for computer communication

Z39.50 specifications are implemented in computer software

Based on client/server model

Lepchenske:

Responsibilities of the client software and the server software (reciprocal but independent)

Lepchenske:

Responsibilities of the client software and the server software (reciprocal but independent)

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UserInterface

Client

Z39.50 Server

Info Server

NetworkAccess

via Internet

Query Formulation

Translation from local to standard language

Search Engine&

Database

Z39.50 Client

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UserInterface

CLIENTCLIENTTranslation

Z39.50Client Software

SERVERSERVER

Translation

Z39.50Server Software

Database

Lepchenske:

Diagram to indicate the language conversion ?

Local language to Z Speak (Esperanto).

Lepchenske:

Diagram to indicate the language conversion ?

Local language to Z Speak (Esperanto).

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Part 2. Implementation of Z39.50

Implementation Decisions and Concerns Scenarios of Use Sources of Z39.50 Products

Lepchenske:

Part 2: Z39.50 at Work-Functionality of the Implementations

Outline the Features of the Software and the Services of the Standard

Group into Services/logical categories

Introduce Two Parts to the Software-Target and Origin

Importance of Profiles

Lepchenske:

Part 2: Z39.50 at Work-Functionality of the Implementations

Outline the Features of the Software and the Services of the Standard

Group into Services/logical categories

Introduce Two Parts to the Software-Target and Origin

Importance of Profiles

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Implementation Decisions Two big questions:

• What will it cost me?• What do I need to know (technical expertise)?

Answers to these question depend on your requirements for Z39.50

You need to decide what you want Z39.50 to do

Scenarios of use can be helpful

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DigitalCollection Citation

Databases

BibliographicRecords

OtherInformation

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Scenarios of Use You need a Z39.50 Client if:

• you want a single search interface to many different Z39.50 accessible databases -- but mot necessarily your own

• you want to search remote Z39.50 catalogs

• you want to search remote databases

You need a Z39.50 Server if:• you want to make your catalog accessible to Z39.50 users• you want to make other local resources accessible to Z39.50

users

You may only want client software or both

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Sources of Z39.50 Products

Remember -- Z39.50 specifications are implemented in client and server software

Get Z39.50 software and products from:• Library automation system vendors• Other commercial Z39.50 software developers• Public domain software and toolkits

Z39.50 Maintenance Agency at the Library of Congress has list of providers/products URL: http://lcweb.loc.gov/z3950/agency

Lepchenske:

Provide a brief definition of each type

Lepchenske:

Provide a brief definition of each type

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Part 3. Texas Z39.50 Initiative

Texas Z39.50 Implementors Group TZIG Texas Z: The Texas Z39.50 Profile Project Get Involved Project Information

Lepchenske:

Section 3 Selling TZIG and the Project

Lepchenske:

Section 3 Selling TZIG and the Project

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Texas Z39.50 Implementors Group

Who’s should be interested/involved?• If you have a Z39.50 implementation• If you are acquiring Z39.50 products• If you are considering a Z39.50 implementation

Currently representatives from:• Texas libraries -- public, school, academic, special• State Institutions/Organizations• Z39.50 Experts

First Initiative: Z Texas: The Z39.50 Profile

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What Is A Profile? Why Is It Important?

Represents community consensus on requirements for Z39.50

Identifies Z39.50 specifications to support those requirements

Improves search and retrieval results Aids in purchasing decisions Vendors can build Z39.50 products to

specifications

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The Z Texas Profile

Reflects Texas Z39.50 requirements & specifications Phase 1 focus: library catalogs Subsequent phases: other networked electronic

resources Identify requirements for vendors to build to Increase the capabilities of separate Z39.50 systems

to work together Provide specifications that libraries may reference

when acquiring products

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Ensure effective Z39.50 implementation for Texas libraries

Focus time and resources and build consensus among Texas libraries

Ensure Texas libraries’ needs are communicated and addressed

Educate and inform Texas librarians

Benefits of the Texas Z Project

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Encourage Your Library to Get Involved

Project Information Project Website:

http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/LD/z3950/ TZIG Member List:

http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/LD/z3950/committee.htm Texas Z39.50 Listserv:

http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/LD/z3950/list.htm