The Western Canada Virtual Union Catalogue: Integrating
Document Requesting into Z39.50 and Other Search Clients
Dave Binkley
Librarian/Analyst
Simon Fraser University
Kristina Long
Programmer
Simon Fraser University
The widespread implementation of search protocols, primarily Z39.50, in
combination with the spread of the Web makes possible a high degree of
integration and standardization of search services. This paper describes
a project which seeks to combine in a seamless fashion the searching of
periodical indexes and library OPACs with document requesting. We have
written a program which allows the user to query various full text sources
to or place interlibrary loan requests from within the Web-based search
session. A number of issues are addressed including: patron
authentification, querying on-Z39.50 compatible databases, supporting
differing library configurations within a consortium, user interface
design issues and problems surrounding holdings statements.
