LaTes, 'Standard Fare', LITA Newsletter v15n01
URL = http://hegel.lib.ncsu.edu/stacks/serials/lita/lita-v15n01-lates-standard

V15N1.STFARE LITANEWS
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Standard Fare
Pierre Badin LaTes, VII


A Successful Trilogy--Now There's a Sequel!

OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS, TESLA has sponsored three programs on the
Z39.50 standard. The first two were geared to systems librarians and
others interested in the technical issues. The third program, at the
1993 Annual Conference in New Orleans, was co-sponsored by LAMA and
was intended for library administrators.

   Response to the third program was overwhelming. Anticipated
attendance was 300 maximum. Actual attendance was estimated to be 500
or more, with people standing in every available spot in the room and
more than 50 sitting on the floor between the podium and the first row
of chairs. Clearly, there is a need for information about Z39.50,
particularly information that administrators can use to guide their
decision-making.

   To meet this demand, two LITA units--TESLA and the Online Catalog
Interest Group (OCIG)--will co-sponsor another Z39.50 program at the
1994 Annual Conference in Miami Beach. The program, to focus on users
rather than developers or vendors, is scheduled for Saturday, June 25,
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. A description follows.

Z39.50 and Your Library System:
Strategies for Implementation & Impact on Online Catalog Use

Since the initial adoption of Z39.50 in 1988, libraries have been
awaiting its integration into existing library systems. With its
availability in several locally developed and vendors' systems during
the past year, the impact of this standard can begin to be determined.
What are the benefits of implementing Z39.50 at your library? What are
the best strategies for implementing Z39.50 on your system? What are
the challenges faced by system managers, reference staff and online
catalog users? Does Z39.50 suggest new ways of viewing, using and
enhancing our online library systems?

   These questions will be explored by a panel of public services and
systems librarians in a session geared to library staff and managers
considering expanding their online catalog offerings with Z39.50
client/server software. Speakers will describe Z39.50 implementation
strategies and issues, and user experiences in searching databases
with Z39.50 software.

   Mark your diaries now, and plan on coming early on Saturday, June
25!