Cathy N. Hartman University of North Texas Libraries October 10, 1998
Mar 27, 2015
Cathy N. HartmanUniversity of North Texas
Libraries
October 10, 1998
Cathy N. HartmanUniversity of North Texas
Libraries
October 10, 1998
2
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