Configuration of a Z39.50-client

Last updated: 22.01.2021

The purpose of this decription is to give help on how to configure a Z39.50-client for using DanBib and other DBC databases.

Content:

Overview

Access

Search and present

 

 

Overview

DBC's target is called Zgateway.

Zgateway is normally accessible 24 hours 7 days a week, but may be closed for maintenance.

Access to DanBib via the Zgateway requires login/password. See Access

The technical specifications are available at Zgateway - technical parameters for the official version

A test target for Zgateway is also available.
The technical specifications for this test access point are available at Zgateway - technical parameters for the test target

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Access

The access to DanBib and the other DBC databases via Zgateway requires login/password.

Login/password is in 'V3-style'.

Login:
Login consists of:
'user-id', 'group-id' and 'password' in this order:

  • User-ID=netpunkt
  • Group-ID=[institution number]
  • Password=[forwarded password]

e.g.: netpunkt/716700/pumpluft

These parameters are normally declared in the configuration of the Z-client.
If the Z-client operates only with user and password, the Group-ID may be configured as part of the user-entry.

e.g.: user = netpunkt/716700 password = pumpluft

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Search and present

The Z-client includes a standard configuration supported by the vendor.

A trimming of the configuration parameters for search and present may be necessary to obtain the best use of the DBC databases.

The Z-client converts the search commands, i.e. search codes and search terms, to such strings.

 

Search

A Z39.50 search is normally formed as an RPN-string (Reverse Polish Notation) consisting of an attribute combination (properties for the search required).

Search in DanBib and other DBC databases

Zgateway fulfills most of the requirements defined in the Danish danZIG profile - however, not all attribute combinations are supported. Which attribute combinations you can use through the Zgateway is listed on the page (in Danish) Understøttelse af danZIG profil.
 

Present

How to present the resulting records is also specified in the Z-client configuration.

The configuration of the Z-client includes definition of which formats to use when presenting the search results in the OPAC.
It may also define if the Z-client uses its own present formats or the formats provided by the Z-target.

Presenting records from DanBib and other DBC databases

The present formats are specified in Zgateway - technical parameters for the official version

For users of netpunkt.dk:
The formats are very unlike the formats used in the netpunkt.dk-client described in Danish in visning i netpunkt.dk. We presume that the Z-client designers define advanced present formats suited for their various Z-clients - especially the presentation of the hierarchical record structure.

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