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.
- 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