Use case 2: open Z39.50 target
Make Available
Description
Most library systems support the Z39.50 protocol for search and retrieval of records, and many institutions make this service available to unauthenticated users (ie, to the internet at large). A range of entities may take records from these services, including:
- End users (for example, EndNote can retrieve records directly from Z39.50)
- Other libraries
- Cataloguing services (for example ‡Biblios.net)
Record flow
The records are made available by a Z39.50 target which is typically a component of the LMS. Records can be retrieved through Z39.50 in a range of formats, including MARC. Typically, the recipient conducts a search against the Z39.50 target, and retrieves the matching records, which are then stored. The types of record flow are described in detail here.
Current examples
Many institutions make these interfaces available, including (as examples) the Universities of Cambridge, Cardiff, Durham, Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Exeter, Southampton, and Oxford.
Discussion
Providing a protocol such as Z39.50 allows other systems at other organisations to easily obtain records. Conceptually, there is no difference between making records available as an open HTML page and making them available through an open Z39.50 interface - the difference is in how easily they can be incorporated into another catalogue.
Similar issues arise when proiding easy access to single records, see Use-case 6.
Please note that the legal implications for your institution of this use case will depend upon your specific contractual relationships - for more information see the discussion of suppliers' and libraries' current viewpoints on what is allowable, and the legal environment.
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