New to Z39.50

Hi, I took over a Library Tech job where the other person left and we have no written instructions on how to do things. Most I've worked out (because show me any catalog who doesn't like working out a good puzzle!) but one thing I cannot find information on is the Z 39.50 search.

If I see a library that has lots of records that align with what we also buy (Health Science University), HOW do I get their details to add them to our Z 39.50 field?Do I need their written permission? I know I need Host, Port and database information .If it matters we use KoHA as our catalog program.
Even my library director isnt aware of how one goes about doing this.
Thankyou!

I'm not 100% sure with KOHA, but I think there's an existing list of connection details somewhere in your system configuration.

There's usually three avenues for z39.50:

1. Libraries implicitly or explicitly give permission to anyone to connect via z39.50
2. Libraries don't allow connection via z39.50 or have a system that does not allow z39.50 (I'm looking at you OCLC WMS)
3. Libraries have no idea they can do z39.50; but are happy to share connection details once they have figured them out.

Two of the most common sources for z39.50 connection details are IndexData http://irspy.indexdata.com/ and EndNote https://endnote.com/downloads/connection-files/

What libraries are you looking for in particular? I may already know their connection details or if they even allow z39.50.

Also, you may find that LocatorPlus (NLM) and Library of Congress (LoC) are your best sources for records. Both are Voyager systems for now. Both allow z39.50 connections.

>1 Xengab: Any particular library sources in mind? Give me a wish list, and I too will be happy to help you dig up details for whichever I can. lesmel and I have done a lot of this.

Thank you! Those links look good. Yes we are connected to NLM and LoC we just didn't know HOW to get information about other libraries who share. And all the KoHA information just says enter Host, Port information. Will add all this into our spanking new cataloging procedure manual.

>4 davidgn: was mainly Harvard, Stanford and Eccles Library in Utah

Harvard: https://wiki.harvard.edu/confluence/display/LibraryStaffDoc/Z39.50+access+to+Alm...

Stanford: libappprod1.stanford.edu:2200/Unicorn

Eccles: na02.alma.exlibrisgroup.com:1921/01UTAH_INST

Harvard I don't think offers access.

Stanford is libappprod1.stanford.edu:2200/Unicorn

U. Utah is na02.alma.exlibrisgroup.com:1921/01UTAH_INST
Whether that includes Eccles is unclear.

I gave you Harvard's link so you know what to look for when you want to add other libraries.

Stanford and Eccles I gave you in connection "shorthand" host:port/database_name

>8 davidgn: Got beat! And looks like we have to revisit Harvard

Thanks :) I understand computer speak so knew what they meant.

>11 Xengab: I can see you are in good hands, so I'll just add that there's connection details behind all the LibraryThing sources, so if you can find a source on LibraryThing you can also get connection details.

>12 bnielsen: I'll just add the caveat that in some instances, LT has gotten specific login credentials directly from a particular library. Not common, but in those cases I don't think we'd be able to give those out.

>13 davidgn: I say we share the connection details, just not the login credentials :-) (i.e. I agree with you.)

Part of the reason why I asked was, I assumed I'd need to contact the libraries to get written permissions to use them. I'll stick to those listed on the irspy website.

>15 Xengab: For the most part, you don't have to write and ask permission. Generally, the "permission" is implicit even if they don't post connection details on their site.