Re: Representing DRA holdings in a future Z39.50 client app

Andrew,

DRA Classic does not support the Opac Record Syntax. In order to retrieve
the holdings information we did this: Take the Marion bibliographic database
number out of the bib data in the present response and then submit a new
search, using the Marion Bib database number, in a search of the
circle_item_file database. We use a 1,12 Use attribute for the search to
retrieve the circulation information. The Object Identifier for this search
is: 1.2.840.10003.5.1000.10.1,

DRA Classic uses a 6 digit code which can be mapped to a temporary location
label for human eyes. Contact the library to learn what the codes mean.

The DRA Classic Circle_item-file provides the Call number, the Item ID, the
temporary location and the availability status in the present response.

DATABASE = circle_item_file,

Contact me directly if you need more information about how to do this

Marvin Pollard

"A. Bullen" wrote:

> Dear all,
>
> Please let me first apologize for what is probably a hopelessly naive
> question. I did try to search the archives for the answer, but the
> search doesn't seem to be working.
>
> To wit: I am trying to implement a Z39.50 client connection to a DRA
> (Classic) online catalog. We are currently using a (at this point)
> rather old implementation of OCLC's SiteSearch product, but we need to
> expand beyond its capabilities. In trying to use the YAZ toolkit, I can
> easily connect to and get good solid results from the server; however, I
> cannot get holdings information returned along with its accompanying
> record. I CAN get good holdings information from the OCLC client. See
> the difference at http://www.finditillinois.org/drarecords.html.
> Obviously, in a DRA system, there is a separate file that contains
> holdings which is then attached to the record. Also obviously, OCLC has
> put in a lovely little widget of code  into their black box JAR file
> that retrieves the full MARC record. Since I can't get at that, I would
> like to be able to duplicate their efforts.
>
> Questions to this community:
>
> A. What is the name of this file in a DRA system?
> B. How does one reach it through a mechanism like a Z client?
> C. What links the master MARC record with its holdings record?
>
> Thank you for your time,
>
> Andrew Bullen
> Illinois State Library

--
Marvin E. Pollard, Jr.                      mpollard@calstate.edu
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