The open book: a practical perspective on OSI
The open book: a practical perspective on OSI
Communicating in a multilingual world
Computer Standards & Interfaces
Information Retrieval Application Service Definition and Protocol Specification for Open Systems Interconnection, Z39.50-1995
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The unprecedented growth of computer networks, in particular the Internet, has led to the creation of new methods for libraries to provide services to their users. One of the most important services which can be enhanced and delivered in new ways is access to the library catalogue. The development of standardised communication interfaces to the actual database and search engine, i.e. search and retrieve protocols, has made it possible for users with appropriate client software to access any server supporting the standard interface. Two standards have been developed for this purpose: the ISO Search and Retrieve (SR) and the ANSI Z39.50. Although the two standards are very similar they have been developed and implemented in different environments, thus causing difficulties for users trying to achieve universal access to all types of servers. Incompatibilities can arise at two levels: the underlying network technology and the search and retrieve protocols themselves. Z39.50 is usually implemented directly over TCP/IP while ISO-SR is layered over a full OSI stack. In addition, the existence of a variety of different query types and bibliographic record formats limits potential functionality. A gateway offering communication between different stacks and conversion of different data formats would be a valuable sen/ice as the number of networked databases increases. This paper consolidates the experience gained from the design and the implementation of an application gateway which allows ISO-SR and Z39.50 systems to interoperate transparently on top of TCP/IP and OSI communication stacks. It also provides a basic background to the Search and Retrieve service offered by the two protocols in question.