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Retrieve local system records using a Z39.50 connection

Discover how to retrieve local system records using a Z39.50 connection in Connexion client.

Overview

  • Retrieve bibliographic records created in your ILS (Integrated Library System) and import them into the Connexion client.
  • Define a use attribute for searching your ILS (default: use attribute 12 - [local] Record#).
  • A search can retrieve one record at a time.
  • A retrieved local record is imported into the client and displayed as a MARC 21- formatted workform. The word NEW displays in the upper left corner of the workform, where the assigned OCLC number will display when you add it to WorldCat.

Set up a connection to a host local system

  1. Navigate to Tools > Options or press <Alt><T><O>.
  2. Click Z39.50.
  3. Enter settings for your Z39.50 connection.
  4. Click Local Record Use Attribute to define a use name, use value, and other structure, truncation, or relation attributes, if needed, for local file record searching.

    Default:
    • User name: Local#
    • Value: 12
    • Other attributes: Unspecified

    More information about Z39.50 attributes is available on the Z39.50 Maintenance Agency site.
  5. When finished, perform one of the following actions:
    • Click Close or press <Enter> to apply the settings and close the window.
    • Click Apply to apply the settings without closing the window.
    • Click Cancel to cancel changes.

Z39.50 settings

Z39.50 setting Required Description
Description   Use to describe the ILS or a database you set up.

Example: MIT
Host Name or IP Address x Enter the local system name.

Example: library.mit.edu
 

 Note: OCLC services cannot be accessed via IP address.

Port Number x Enter the local system port number.

Example: 9909
Database Name x Not case-sensitive.

Example: mit01pub
Local Record Use Attribute x Use attribute is required (but the client provides a default).

Click Local Record Use Attribute to check or change the use attribute name and value for searching the local system.

Default name: Local#
Default value: 12

Other attributes are optional.

Select a Structure, Truncation, or Relation attribute value.

Default for all: Unspecified
User Name   If you do not enter this setting in options, the client prompts you to enter it each time you connect (Tools > Z39.50 > Connect). Case sensitivity depends on your local system requirements.
Password   If you do not enter this setting in options, the client prompts you to enter it when you connect. You must enter a password when prompted, unless not required by your local system. Case sensitivity depends on your local system requirements.
Preferred Message Size   Default: 105000 bytes

The client uses the default unless you change it.
Initialization Delay (seconds)   Default: 0 seconds

Enter the number of seconds you want the client to wait before initializing the connection, if you want a delay.
Maximum Record Size   Default: 105000 bytes

The client uses the default unless you change it.
Connection Retries   Default: 0

Enter the number of times you want the client to try to connect, if you want to re-try automatically.
Connection Idle Timeout (minutes)   Default: 20 minutes

The client uses the default unless you change it.
Range: 5 to 20 minutes

 Note: The Z39.50 session terminates automatically if you do not perform searches within the interval specified in this setting.

 Note: If you connect to more than one host or more than one database, change the settings in the Z39.50 tab before connecting, or create another user profile, enter different settings in the Z39.50 tab in the new profile, and switch user profiles before connecting.

Connect to a local system host and retrieve a record

  1. Navigate to Tools > Z39.50 > Connect or press <Alt><T><Z><C>.
  2. If you did not enter a user name or password in Tools > Options > Z39.50, the client prompts you to enter them:
    1. In the Local System Password window, enter a user name and, if required by your local system, a password.
    2. Click OK to connect and open the Search Local System window, or click Cancel to cancel connecting.
    If you entered a user name and password in the Z39.50 options page, the client automatically supplies them, connects, and opens the Search Local System window.
  3. In the Search Local System window, in the Record ID Number field, enter the search term/number for the use attribute you defined for retrieving local records.
    Or
    Click the arrow at the right of the box to display a list of up to ten terms you entered previously, and click to select a term.
    • If the search is successful, the client imports and displays the record as a workform in MARC format.
    • If the search fails, the client gives you a message. To try the search again, click Tools > Z39.50 > Search.
  4. Perform one of the following actions:
    • Click Find to send the search.
    • Click Cancel to cancel the search and keep the Z39.50 connection open.
    • Click Cancel and Disconnect to cancel the search and terminate the Z39.50 session.
  5. (Optional) To retrieve another local record:
    1. Click View > Pinned or press <Shift><F4> to pin the displayed record open if you want to keep it open. If you do not, the next retrieved record replaces the first and you must do the search again to get the first record back.
    2. Click Tools > Z39.50 > Search or press <Alt><T><Z><S>, and then enter another search term or number.

      Work with a record retrieved from your local system the same way you work with other records imported in the client (e.g., generate an authority record from a heading in the record, add the record to WorldCat, etc.).
  6. When finished importing local records (one at a time), click Tools > Options > Z39.50 > Disconnect or press <Alt><T><O><D>.