RefTracker Zgate module – searching multiple Z39.50 sources

A Web based search tool for multiple Z39.50 information sources

The RefTracker Zgate module is a user friendly, web based interface that provides concurrent search capabilities over all, or a selection of, local or Internet based Z39.50 databases. The optional multiple instance licences provide the flexibility to set up multiple groupings of Z39.50 databases to make searching like groups of Z39.50 resources even easier.

Zgate can provide a means of presenting a consistent user interface to diverse resources so that they become easier and quicker to use. Equally well it can be used to create a quasi union catalogue from separate bibliographic or other Z39.50 compliant databases. In either use this product provides a very powerful tool for improving access to information – a key feature of the RefTracker philosophy.

Zgate has been designed to provide for the needs of both the library user, and library staff members when accessing Z39.50 compliant resources.

Example Uses for RefTracker Zgate

 To provide a means of searching several local databases with one consistent search interface, for example your library management system and Altarama RefTracker.

 To search a number of libraries for the closest copy of a particular item.

 To search likely sources for a bibliographic record, and to choose a suitable such record, and capture it for re-use use as an information source for a RefTracker answer or for a bibliography.

Product Features

 Full Boolean searching including AND, OR and NOT.

 The full Z39.50 V3 Bib-1 attribute set is supported but not fully utilised at this time.

 Ability to display any multimedia item catalogued in an 856 tag that can be displayed by the user's web browser - such as images, video and saved files that are network accessible.

 holdings information can be displayed when databases provide this information in 949 tags.

 reservation requests can be sent to Z39.50 targets when an email address is provided.

 records can be retrieved in full MARC format for uploading and in comma delimited text format for use in bibliographies.

 scan is available if the source database supports it.

 search by record presents results by database, search by title provides a list of unique titles found across all databases.

 Help screens are provided and library logos and information can be incorporated in headers and footers on each page. These, and the tags displayed, are library definable.

 Stateless, so browser functions such as "Back" work from screen to screen.

 Easy to install and maintain - no separate clients to install on individual PCs.

 Multiple instance licences are available to provide flexibility and logical groupings.

 Searching concurrently over multiple Z39.50 information sources.

Platform

RefTracker Zgate runs on Windows NT 4.0 server with Service Pack 3 or above. An Internet connection that is properly secured, yet provides unrestricted access to Z39.50 traffic is also essential.

Users can access the system from any desktop equipment capable of running a web browser version 3 or higher.

 Click here to request further information about RefTracker Zgate!