The following information about Z39.50 was found at http://www.biblio-tech.com/html/z39_50.html.

Basic Definition...

"Z39.50 is an international standard for communication between computer systems primarily, library and information related systems.  Z39.50 is becoming increasingly important to the future development and deployment of inter-linked library systems.  This technical briefing aims to explain the substance and significance of the standard to library and information system managers."

Basic Information about Z39.50

The typical (simplified) search process involved in a Z39.50 session is as follows:

• OPAC user selects Target library (Z-server) from an OPAC menu.
• OPAC user enters search terms
• OPAC software sends search terms and Target library details to a “Z-client”  a piece of software usually running as part of the library system.
• Z-client translates the search terms into “Z-speak” and contacts the Target library’s Z-server software.
• There is a preliminary negotiation between the Z-client and Z-server to establish the rules for the “Z-Association” between the two systems.
• Z-server translates the “Z-speak” into a search request for the Target library’s database and receives a response about numbers of matches etc.
• Z-client receives records
• Records are presented to the OPAC interface for the user.

How it influences school libraries...

• OPACS
• Cataloging
• Interlibrary Loan
• CD Rom Access
• Web Searching and Filtering
• Databases Updates

For more detailed information...

Visit http://www.biblio-tech.com/html/z39_50.html

Citation

(2001, April 12). Z39.50: Part 1- an overview. Retrieved June 24, 2008, from Biblio Tech Review Web site: http://www.biblio-tech.com/html/z39_50.html