Access free catalogue records

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Access free catalogue records using Z39.50 clients

The Internet and the WWW are not synonymous. The WWW is but one part of internet technology. A few of the other technologies include email, FTP, and something referred to as the Z39.50 gateway. Many libraries using commercial integrated library systems such as those from SirsiDynix, Geac, and Ex Libris have in addition to their web-based online catalogue, this Z39.50 gateway which provides free access to their catalogue records. Z39.50 refers to a protocol for computer information retrieval. Systems offering this gateway will have a server-end program that makes MARC records available on the internet. Z39.50 is apparently older technology than that of the WWW.

Libraries and individuals with an internet connection can gain access to library MARC records by obtaining Z39.50 client software. In the same way as Internet Explorer or Firefox are web browsers, so programs like BookWhere and Mercury are available to install on personal computers to allow the user to access complete MARC records with this other internet technology, Z39.50.

On starting such a program the first time, the user selects from lists of libraries those that look like candidates for the type of book whose catalogue record is sought. After the user enters a title, ISBN or other combination, the software sends out searches to each of the libraries selected and within seconds receives back records from each of the libraries holding the title. Cataloguers could use a Z39.50 client to search for cataloguing for a batch of new books, save and edit the records, and add them to their local system. In many instances the client software, such as Mercury, is free. The searches themselves are free. Libraries that wish a zero cost alternative to participation in expensive bibliographic utilities such as OCLC should consider this technology.

Chris Beldan -- cbeldan at lancasterseminary dot edu

Other resources

http://www.loc.gov/z3950/gateway.html#about

Selection of client programs

BookWhere -- http://www.balboa-software.com/bookwhere.html

MarcEdit -- http://people.oregonstate.edu/~reeset/marcedit/html/features.html

Mercury -- http://www.basedowinfosys.com/projects/mzc

EndNote -- http://www.endnote.com/eninfo.asp#Search

Surpass CopyCat -- http://www.surpasssoftware.com/copycat.htm