JISC

Z39.50 is a computer-to-computer communications protocol designed to support searching and retrieval of information, full-text documents, bibliographic data, images and multimedia in a distributed network environment. Based on client/server architecture and operating over the Internet, the Z39.50 protocol is supporting an increasing number of applications” (William Moen, the ANSI/NISO Z39.50 Protocol1).

The JISC notes, however, that: “Z39.50 is of considerable vintage…. and a heavy weight solution which is unattractive to some developers” (JISC Circular 5/99). Z39.50 implementations are hampered by the lack of powerful, easy to use, Z39.50-based tools and servers and the need for a high degree of development time.

Building on the extensive Z39.50 experience of the Oxford University Libraries Automation Service, the JAFER Toolkit Project will produce a lightweight Z39.50 toolkit specifically aimed for creating Internet based learning and teaching packages.

Aims and Objectives

The main aim of JAFER is to produce an easy to use, visual toolkit to ensure that users can build portals and information sources without having to deal with the intricate technical aspects of the protocols involved and in doing so enhance the Z39.50 standard.

Project design

The JAFER Toolkit will comprise three components:

1. Server software to allow those with information sources and databases via protocols such as ODBC to publish this data through the DNER using Z39.50, including visual tools to install and configure such sources
2. Gateway and proxy software to allow Z39.50 access to non-Z39.50 services and add additional functionality
3. Portal development software to allow users to design Web pages that pull information dynamically from Z39.50 information sources such as library, museum and archive catalogues, with the same ease that the current breed of Web development tools offer

JAFER will be Open Source and written in Java (an object-oriented approach) and Open Source. It will take account of emerging technologies from the library and information sectors as well as those from the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C) and XML communities and will work closely with other DNER projects, as well as international initiatives such as the Advanced Search Framework.

Outcomes

In addition to the Toolkit the project will enhance the Z39.50 protocol by allowing easier routes to its implementation.