Statement of the Problem

In the fifteen years since the introduction of the ANSI/NISO Z39.50 information retrieval protocol standard, a number of studies evaluating its effectiveness in implementations have found that the same searches done on different Z39.50 compliant systems can yield different results (Blue Angel Technologies, 1998; Hinnebusch, 1998; National Library of Canada, 1998). There is at this time no reliable test methodology or benchmark that can be used to assess the integrity of a vendor's Z39.50 products or the level of interoperability that can be achieved between two implementations of Z39.50. (Attachment B contains definitions of the underlined technical terms used in this proposal.)

Interoperability between diverse systems presents complex and at times confounding challenges. This project will address these challenges by designing and demonstrating methods to test and measure levels of interoperability between systems implementing the Z39.50 standard. The focus of the Z39.50 interoperability testbed will be on the semantic interoperability between systems. This proposal describes a $420,000 project to define, create, and demonstrate a Z39.50 interoperability testbed. We request from IMLS approximately $163,000 for this project.

Project Goal and Objectives

The primary goal of this project is to:

• Improve Z39.50 semantic interoperability among libraries for information access and resource sharing.
• This goal will be achieved through the following objectives:
• Develop and document a reliable interoperability testing methodology
  
• Develop and establish an interoperability assessment model with valid metrics for assessing interoperability of 39.50 implementations
  
• Develop and operate an interoperability testbed
  
• Produce a best practices guide and model for interoperability testbeds
  
• Produce a best practices guide for configuration of Z39.50 implementations to achieve improved semantic interoperability.

A secondary goal is to offer an educational and training opportunity in networked information access and retrieval for four Library and Information Sciences graduate students. They will work as Research Associates for the project and will develop skills and competencies in all aspects of the project while completing their graduate degrees.

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Project Proposal Pages

Contents of Project Proposal - Abstract - Statement of the Problem - Project Goals and Objectives - Background for the Study - Need and Justification- Project Foci and Activities - Impact and Benefits of the Project - Project Deliverables - Project Staff - Addressing IMLS Priorities and Criteria - National Impact - Adaptability - Design - Management Plan - Budget - Personnel - Evaluation - Dissemination - Contributions - Sustainability and Technical Knowledge - Summery - References

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