Z 39.50 is an information search and retrieval standard developed in the United States. It is a protocol for communication from one computer to another. The purpose of which is to assist in the full-textsearch and retrieval of full text documents, bibliographic data, images, multimedia, etc. Through this, multiple databases can be sent a single query, and in response to this query, data stored in different formats can be viewed by the user’s computer in a single and different form. As a result, it is possible to enter the same method in various data sources. It was initially developed to facilitate libraries to easily search each other’s OPACs. Later, its use was greatly expanded. This standard was developed by the US National Information Standards Organization (NISO), The standards developed by NISO are named in a specific order and Z 39.50 is the 50th standard developed by NISO.
Action of Z 39.50 :
z 39.50 processes step by step some operations required to exchange information between two computers. The two computers involved are known as “origin” and “target”, which in network terms we can call “client” and “server,” respectively. The sequential action of Z 39.50 is discussed below:
1. Initializing: The process of starting the data search and retrieval session between client and server is called initializing. An important task at this stage is user authentication.
2. Search: The task of the searching process is to search one or more databases using a specific query and search format. Boolean operators, proximity searching, truncation, etc. search techniques are available in this query.
3. Record presentation: This process helps to enter the desired information from the results that come after the search. It offers various benefits to the information seeker. For example, presenting a specific range of results from search results, searching records for a specific element, highlighting search terms, etc.
4. Browsing: Z 39.50 also provides the facility to “browse” within a window for certain search terms or fields.
5. Sorting: Z 39.50 also has the advantage of sorting the search results using criteria according to the user’s needs.
6. Access Control: Z 39.50 allows control or authentication by each search. This is done for databases and records where access to specific databases or records is controlled.
7. Controlling resource: At any stage of the data retrieval or rendering process, the ongoing process can be terminated by maintaining a connection to the server. Users can also get reports about various resources. This may include information about the number of times the resource has been searched and retrieved.
8. Database Maintenance: Z 3950 can be used to perform database maintenance tasks such as database updates, insertion or deletion of records, etc.
Significance of Z 39.50 for Libraries:
The Z 39.50 protocol has now become one of the standards for data exchange among libraries around the world. The significance of Z 39.50 is described in the context of the following library and information technology:
- OPAC: The World Wide Web continues to make a huge contribution in making the OPACs of various libraries accessible to the global searchers Z 39.50. All the major libraries of the world, including local libraries, can be searched with a single search through Z 39.50.
- Cataloging: Cataloging is a costly and time-consuming task for any library. However, searching and downloading bibliographic records has become much easier thanks to Z 39.50. Because through this, searching and downloading multiple data sources at the same time has become much easier. This is because it allows you to search multiple data sources simultaneously and compare records.
- Union Catalog: Union Catalog is very useful for inter-communication and data exchange for libraries interested in mutual cooperation. The introduction of Z 39.50 has made it easier for libraries to manage union catalogs. Because Z 39.50 allows different types of catalogs to have the same formula. Different objects and their location can be identified with little effort.
- CD-ROM Databases: Due to the growing popularity of the web, the relevance of CD-ROM-based databases is decreasing. However, there are still many CD-ROM-based databases. With Z 39.50, it is possible to search these different types of databases using a familiar interface
- Selective Notification: Z 39.50 also supports selective notification service. Users can create an FDI profile by identifying all required libraries and resources. Then the search results can be downloaded from the related databases automatically and stored in a specific location.
- Ease of Web Search: Due to the presence of various search engines and interfaces, web search is almost reduced to a tedious task. This task can be made easier by adding the Z 39.50 Inter Fest to the search engine. Libraries can access all major search engines by setting their own filter parameters with the Z 39.50 program.
The conclusion of Z39.50 highlights its role as a transformative protocol for library systems, enabling efficient information retrieval and promoting interoperability among diverse databases. By standardizing data access, it allows libraries to connect and share resources on a global scale, fostering a more collaborative environment.
Despite its advantages, Z39.50 has faced competition from newer, web-based protocols that are often more adaptable to modern technologies. Nevertheless, Z39.50 remains important for libraries with legacy systems that depend on its stable and structured querying capabilities. Ultimately, the significance of Z39.50 lies in its pioneering model for library networking and its continued relevance in specialized contexts.
