Libraries can modify their acquisitions policy using information from the service. Library staff at all levels would gain experience of new technology. There should be spin-off effects of better use of library stock through more interlibrary loans and document copying. Providing access to this service with a public client and directory service should encourage the implementation of servers at other libraries and so further improve the worth of the service. The implementation of OPACs in libraries has not provided a general access method for library catalogues.
Users still have to contact the library and apply to use the service over a network.
The implementation of ISO SR and ANSI Z39.50 servers will not necessarily improve matters as users will need to have appropriate hardware and software before access can be gained to the catalogues. This project aims to provide a service by which users can search many catalogues without complicated registration processes and with no requirement for special hardware, communications links or software. Users will only need a terminal, modem and access to either a data network or email to search participating library catalogues. Investigate the problems and demonstrate the interworking of Z39.50 and SR clients and servers by providing a Z39.50 - SR gateway. Identify the practical problems with the existing standards with regard to accessing multiple servers with different characteristics.