[WEB4LIB] Re: Z39.50

[peterson at amigos.org]

The Bath Profile was created because the Z39.50 standard has many
implementation options.  Two Z39.50 servers can be in compliance but not
provide satisfactory results.  This is because libraries choose different
options.  The Bath Profile tries to, on an international level, provide
guidance in choosing some of these options so that the search results make
more sense.  See www.nlc-bnc.ca/bath/bath-e.htm.

On the US level, NISO will be balloting a profile based on the Bath
Profile, which will provide guidance for servers and clients in this
country.  See http://www.unt.edu/zprofile/.

The reason for these profiles is exactly as you stated -- to make
cross-library and cross-database searching more effective.

Christine Peterson
Library Liaison Officer, Amigos Library Services
14400 Midway Road, Dallas, TX  75244-3509
800/843-8482 x191 (message only)
512/671-1580 (phone and fax)
EMAIL:  peterson at amigos.org




I have heard much about the Z39.50 Bath Profile.  Will its
implementation improve Z39.50 Searching and Retrieval?
Will it make the its use more effective?

Mary Anne