[This message is primarily intended for list members in the UK who run or
offer Z39.50 targets - apologies to others on the list(s) and for
cross-posting]
For some time UKOLN have maintained a directory of Z39.50 targets at:
http://www.ukoln.ac.uk/dlis/zdir/
Known as 'Z-directory', this service currently contains details of 63 UK
targets. [Canadian and Australian list members may like to note that the
URL above provides links to similar national directories of Z39.50 targets
in those countries].
As part of the background analysis phase of the JISC-funded Gate-Z
project, UKOLN and Crossnet are keen to build up a comprehensive picture
of Z39.50 targets offered within the UK. To this end we encourage all
UK-based Z39.50 resource operators to register their targets or update
existing registrations if necessary.
The Gate-Z project intends to develop a Z39.50 to Z39.50 gateway that can
be used to interface Bath-Profile clients to non-Bath Profile targets. By
placing Gate-Z in front of their servers, Z39.50 service providers will be
able to offer Bath Profile compliant targets without having to modify
their existing server configuration or software. (Note: Gate-Z will
attempt to provide conformance to the Bath Profile as far as possible but
will ultimately be constrained by the functionality of the target.)
Gate-Z is a collaboration between UKOLN and Crossnet Systems Ltd. All
software developed by this project will be made available on an
open-source basis. More information about the project is available from:
http://www.rdn.ac.uk/projects/gate-z/
Building up a picture of current Z39.50 targets will feed into the design
of the Gate-Z protocol gateway. However, it is also hoped that Z-directory
becomes a more useful resource in its own right, particularly to other
JISC 5/99 projects.
Andy
--
Distributed Systems and Services
UKOLN, University of Bath, Bath, BA2 7AY, UK [log in to unmask]
www.ukoln.ac.uk/ukoln/staff/a.powell Voice: +44 1225 323933
Resource Discovery Network - www.rdn.ac.uk Fax: +44 1225 826838
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