Accessing Another Library’s Bib Records Using Z39.50

You can access other library databases using the Z39.50 protocol. (For example, you can search the Library of Congress.) The Z39.50 protocol standardizes how different types of library systems share database information. Using this protocol, users can search and retrieve cataloging information from libraries on different automation systems if they have a compatible Z39.50 server.

You can search remote and local Z39.50 databases from staff searching. When you find the records that you want, you can send them to the MARC Editor to modify them and then save them into your library’s Horizon database.

Before you can use this feature, your system administrator must set it up. (For instructions, see “Z39.50 Communication” in the “Searching Setup” chapter of the System Administration Guide.)

If you access a Z39.50 server that requires a login (such as OCLC), you must know the login for your library’s access and must use it to enter that server. (For more information, see your system administrator.)

To access another library’s bib records using Z39.50

1 Start the Z39.50 Search process.

The default location of this process is the Searching folder on the navigation bar.

2 Do one of these options:

If this

Do this

If your system is already connected to a Z39.50 server, Horizon displays a Search window for that server.

To search the server to which you are connected, continue with step 3.

OR

To search another server, do these steps:

Click Z39.50 Server.
Highlight the server that you want to use.
Click Connect.

Horizon displays a Search window for that server.

If your system is not connected to a Z39.50 server, Horizon displays the Select a Z39.50 Server dialog box.

1 Highlight the server that you want to search.
2 Click Connect.

Horizon displays a Search window for that server.

Note: You can search only one server at a time.

3 Highlight an index in the Z39.50 Indexes window.
4 Enter a search term in the Search for field.
5 Click Search.
6 Continue with the search until the system displays either a Titles list window or the Bibliographic Detail window.
7 Highlight the items that you want.

You can highlight as many items as you want to send to the MARC Editor.

8 Choose Edit, Send to, or click the Send to icon ( ).
9 Highlight MARC Editor.
10 Click OK.

Horizon returns to the MARC Editor and opens all the records that you highlighted.

11 Make any changes that you want to a record.
12 Save your changes to all open records.
13 Restart the Z39.50 Search process.

The default location of this process is the Searching folder on the navigation bar.

14 Click Z39.50 Server.
15 Click Disconnect to close the connection to the Z39.50 server.

 


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