Z-Link

The ABLE™ Catalog System interface, Z-Link, provides search and retrieval access to Internet-based library catalogs specifically designed to support bindery preparation software.  Hundreds of libraries around the world provide an open standards-based interface to their library catalogs using the ANSI/NISO Z39.50 protocol.

Z-Link is compatible with version 2 or version 3 Z39.50-compliant library automation systems.

The ABLE™ Z-Link integration provides:

• Direct access - no need for a gateway

• Single-key activation

• Easy database setup

• Multiple-term search

• Comprehensive formatting options

• Flexible MARC field associations

• Easy preparation of monographs and serials

A single keystroke (Alt Z) displays the easy-to-use, fill-in retrieval form.  Search criteria can be entered in up to three fields, each of which can query using any search term. 

When the desired catalog record is displayed, a simple click of the Import button transfers selected data into the correct fields in the ABLE™ volume.

Flexible preference settings for Host Name, Database Location, and Port are also provided.   This service also  allows easy customization of the association between ABLE™ variable prompts, ABLE™ fields, and MARC fields. MARC sub-fields can be combined with some editing features allowing custom display of the MARC information.