• Online Catalog
• Other electronic Indexes and Databases

What is Z39.50?

Z39.50 is an American National Standard . It was originally approved by the National Information Standards Organization (NISO) in 1988. Z39.50 software allows computer-to-computer information retrieval. Z39.50 makes it possible for a user in one system to search and retrieve information from other computer systems that have also implemented Z39.50. It is not necessary to know the search syntax that is used by those other systems.

For further information see the Z39.50 Maintenance Agency page.

Where Can I Get a Z39.50 Client?

Z39.50 clients are available as commercial products and as freeware. See a list of products at the Z39.50 Maintenance Agency.

The most popular Z39.50 client at Boston University is EndNote. EndNote bibliographic management software organizes and manages book and journal article citations. Versions 3 and 4 allow you to search databases using EndNote in place of the database's native search interface. Boston University students, faculty and staff may purchase EndNote at a discounted price from University Computers in Kenmore Square.

Z39.50 Access to Boston University's Online Catalog

Boston University Library's Online Catalog [INNOPAC] is configured to allow Z39.50 client connections from anywhere in the world. No login or password is required. BookWhere2000 and EndNote already have preconfigured settings for Boston University's online catalog. If you are using another client you may need to manually set the Z39.50 connection settings.

Use the following parameters:

Server: Boston University Online Catalog
Server address: library.bu.edu
Port: 210
Database: INNOPAC
Database name: INNOPAC
Record syntax: USMARC

Complete Z39.50 parameters are listed here.

Z39.50 Access to Electronic Indexes and Databases
Licensed for Use By Boston University Students, Faculty and Staff.

EndNote versions 3 and 4 allow you to directly connect to Z39.50 compatible databases and pull citations into EndNote. A "connection file" is used to facilitate the connection between EndNote and each database. Connection files for many library catalogs and publicly accessible databases are included in EndNote. However, subscription databases, licensed for use by Boston University students, faculty and staff, require specially modified connection files. As a service to the Boston University community we have created EndNote "connection files" for several of our licensed databases that have Z39.50 interfaces. Click here for information on how to download these files.