TX Workshops: Z39.50

[Chris Peterson]

Two full-day workshops concerning Z39.50 will be presented at the Dallas
Convention Center (Texas Library Association Annual Conference) in
Dallas, Texas on Tuesday, April 20, 1999:

* "Basics of Z39.50" presented by William E. Moen 
* "Implementing Z39.50" presented by Mark Hinnebusch

The "Basics of Z39.50" preconference is geared toward everyone who just
wants to know what Z39.50 is and how will it affect their library
services.  This standard allows a user to search databases with a
variety of interfaces through a single interface.  Throughout the full
day seminar, William E. Moen, Assistant Professor, University of North
Texas School of Library and Information Sciences, will lead you through
the fundamentals of how and why Z39.50 was developed, how it works with
your existing integrated library system (ILS), what it can do, what it
might do, and what it was never meant to do.  By the end of the day, you
will understand how you can start using Z39.50 regardless of your ILS
vendor, where Z39.50 fits into your current or future library services,
and have a realistic understanding of the place of Z39.50 in the library
world.  This is a great chance to educate yourself in the basics!

"Implementing Z39.50," on the other hand, is not for beginners.  This
workshop is specifically geared toward those who already know the basics
and have some technical background.  Mark Hinnebusch, chair of the
Z39.50 Implementors Group and Associate Director for University Computer
Services, Florida Center for Library Automation, will take you on a much
more detailed and technical tour of the Z39.50 standard.  Throughout the
day, you will gain an insider's view from someone who was at the table
during its evolution.  Areas to be explored include ASN.1; PDUs; and
specifics concerning the Z39.50 services, record syntaxes, and profiles.
Attendees should ultimately be able to understand the technicalities of
managing their own Z39.50 client and/or server, as well as be much more
discerning when comparing vendors' Z39.50 products.  Library and
non-library techies are welcome and encouraged to come!

For the past year, a group of Texas librarians has been drafting a
Z39.50 profile for use in our state.  Toward the end of both of these
preconferences, we will present the first public draft for comment.
This profile could provide us with increased access to our collections
and to each other.  We look forward to your advice and support!

Basics of Z39.50 -- $50
Tuesday, April 20
9:00am - 5:00pm
Co-sponsored by:
* Government Documents Round Table
* Interlibrary Loan Round Table
* Reference Round Table
* Telecommunications and Networked Technology Policy Committee
* Texas Regional Group of Catalogers and Classifiers Round Table
* Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Implementing Z39.50 -- $50 TLA member/$75 non-member
Tuesday, April 20
9:00am - 5:00pm
* Automation and Technology Round Table
* Texas State Library and Archives Commission

Pre-registration is not necessary.  For information on hotels --
http://www.txla.org/conf99/confotels.htm.  For further information on
the Texas Library Association conference, please call 512-328-1518.

Christine Peterson
Manager, Continuing Education & Consulting
Texas State Library and Archives Commission
chris.peterson at tsl.state.tx.us
512-463-6627