Z39.50 or World Wide Web: Which is Best for You?

You can access ITS.MARC records two ways: via Z39.50 client or via your Internet browser. Your TLC automation specialist will ask you which way you prefer and set up your trial or permanent software accordingly.

Z39.50 Access
ITS.MARC responds to the Z39.50 client in your cataloging program to deliver MARC records matching your search. Most catalogers find Z39.50 to be the most efficient way to access ITS.MARC because they can also search their local database or other Z39.50 servers (e.g., OCLC) in a cascaded search until the record is found. If you use a TLC cataloging program (e.g., BiblioFile, Library.Solution), your search is sent to all profiled databases in your preferred sequence. Records appear in a full screen edit window, ready to be saved into your local database, another Z39.50 server, a print queue, or to one or more MARC export files.

Z39.50 Configuration Settings

Browser Access
With ITS.MARC browser access, you work within your Internet browser to access records from the ITS.MARC server. This method is advantageous for librarians who want to be on the World Wide Web as they catalog. Your downloaded records are saved to a file on your hard drive for later editing.