Federated Searching is the ability to search a combination of the local library, neighboring libraries, other libraries, databases, encyclopedias and websites in a single search as required.
In Amlib, this possible by either ZSearch (Z39.50) or setting up e-files (for online articles and websites).
Z39.50 is an international information retrieval standard Application Service between computer systems.
Please Note: To access Z39.50 Servers it is necessary to be able to exit through the firewall for the port defined for the server. The default is usually port 210 but some Servers do use other ports (7990 being quite common)
Searches can be done from Z39.50 client in Amlib:
The import is now complete.
Please Note: Schools can link to SCIS in this way. You will need to contact SCIS directly to get your IP address authorised and they will supply the details of the SCIS z39.50 details you will need to set them up as a Server to be accessed through Z39.50.
Servers are the Libraries or databases you wish to search. F1New enables you to enter new databases to search.
Setting up a new ZServer – for example: Encyclopaedia Britannica
(When searching you need to use Title search and not Subject)
Please Note: You can set up your own Local Library findings in combination with the others if you have purchased ZServer.
ZOpac allows the Public to search across Databases in the same way. For example, check out Armadale’s ZOpac at: http://library.armadale.wa.gov.au/zopacs/
You need to have a valid account to be able to connect via Z39.50
There are four options that are currently in use:
DESCRIPTION |
EXPLANATION |
VALUE |
---|---|---|
A server is not working if it does respond in XXX seconds |
Can be any amount of time you want to wait. |
60 |
Alternate path to Z39.50 client |
Is not currently used |
|
Tag(s) to use when Displaying a Title |
Can be as many Tags as you like. |
245 |
Tag(s) to use when Displaying an Author |
Can be as many Tags as you like. |
100,110 |
Registration Key |
Is not currently used |
|
Display all records as (US)Marc or (UK)Marc |
Display Marc records in US or UK version. |
US |
The Servers being searched can be grouped together so that parallel searches are performed across multiple databases