1. Cathy N. Hartman University of North Texas Libraries October 10, 1998 Cathy N. Hartman University of North Texas Libraries October 10, 1998

2. 2 u Z39.50 in Action -- Video Demonstration u Z39.50 Overview u Z39.50 Implementation Options u Texas Z39.50 Initiative u 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

3. 3 Part 1. Z39.50 Overview u Definition u Purpose u Benefits u 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

4. 4 What Is Z39.50? u An American National Standard Z39.50 means it was developed by NISO Z39.50 means it was the 50th standard approved by NISO u Z39.50 is a set of specifications, procedure, and structures that allow two computers to communicate. u Z39.50 allows users to search one or more databases or library catalogs as if they were searching their own system. Lepchenske: Use Fay Turners Language The Basics Lepchenske: Use Fay Turners Language The Basics

5. 5 Purpose of Z39.50 u To overcome problems of multiple database searching u 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

6. 6 Benefits of Z39.50 u Simplifies the process of searching multiple databases by providing a single search and retrieval interface to multiple resources u Software and hardware independence u Search and retrieve bibliographic and non- bibliographic resources (integrated access) u 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

7. 7 How Does Z39.50 Work? u Z39.50 specifications provide a language for computer communication u Z39.50 specifications are implemented in computer software u 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)

8. 8 User Interface Client Z39.50 Server Info Server Network Access via Internet Query Formulation Translation from local to standard language Search Engine & Database Z39.50 Client

9. 9 User Interface CLIENT Translation Z39.50 Client Software SERVER Translation Z39.50 Server 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).

10. 10 Part 2. Implementation of Z39.50 u Implementation Decisions and Concerns u Scenarios of Use u 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

11. 11 Implementation Decisions u Two big questions: What will it cost me? What do I need to know (technical expertise)? u Answers to these question depend on your requirements for Z39.50 u You need to decide what you want Z39.50 to do u Scenarios of use can be helpful

12. 12 Digital Collection Citation Databases Bibliographic Records Other Information

13. 13 Scenarios of Use u 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 u 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 u You may only want client software or both

14. 14 Sources of Z39.50 Products u Remember -- Z39.50 specifications are implemented in client and server software u Get Z39.50 software and products from: Library automation system vendors Other commercial Z39.50 software developers Public domain software and toolkits u Z39.50 Maintenance Agency at the Library of Congress has list of providers/products URL: http://lcweb.loc.gov/z3950/agency Z39.50 Maintenance Agency Lepchenske: Provide a brief definition of each type Lepchenske: Provide a brief definition of each type

15. 15 Part 3. Texas Z39.50 Initiative u Texas Z39.50 Implementors Group TZIG u Texas Z: The Texas Z39.50 Profile Project u Get Involved u Project Information Lepchenske: Section 3 Selling TZIG and the Project Lepchenske: Section 3 Selling TZIG and the Project

16. 16 Texas Z39.50 Implementors Group u Whos 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 u Currently representatives from: Texas libraries -- public, school, academic, special State Institutions/Organizations Z39.50 Experts u First Initiative: Z Texas: The Z39.50 Profile

17. 17 What Is A Profile? Why Is It Important? u Represents community consensus on requirements for Z39.50 u Identifies Z39.50 specifications to support those requirements u Improves search and retrieval results u Aids in purchasing decisions u Vendors can build Z39.50 products to specifications

18. 18 The Z Texas Profile u Reflects Texas Z39.50 requirements & specifications u Phase 1 focus: library catalogs u Subsequent phases: other networked electronic resources u Identify requirements for vendors to build to u Increase the capabilities of separate Z39.50 systems to work together u Provide specifications that libraries may reference when acquiring products

19. 19 u Ensure effective Z39.50 implementation for Texas libraries u Focus time and resources and build consensus among Texas libraries u Ensure Texas libraries needs are communicated and addressed u Educate and inform Texas librarians Benefits of the Texas Z Project

20. 20 Encourage Your Library to Get Involved Project Information u Project Website: Project Website http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/LD/z3950/ u TZIG Member List: TZIG Member List http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/LD/z3950/committee.htm u Texas Z39.50 Listserv: Texas Z39.50 Listserv http://www.tsl.state.tx.us/LD/z3950/list.htm