Aim and Objectives
JAFER aims to address the problems highlighted in the JISC Circular 5/99, by producing a lightweight Z39.50 toolkit which could be used for creating Internet based teaching and learning packages consistent with the DNER vision. The key objective is that it should be easy to use - for academics, librarians, and other information providers.
The toolkit will include, among other components:
- A Z39.50 Client (developed as a JavaBean, which allows visual configuration of its properties).
- A Z39.50 Server, adaptable to provide various functions, including creating a Z39.50 interface to a non-Z39.50 database.
(All components use XML, which allows on-the-fly transformation of the records retrieved.)
It is our intention to work closely with other DNER projects, as well as international initiatives.
Within Oxford University, we aim to contribute to the expansion of the use of IT and information services within the University teaching structure.
JAFER is also working with the Z39.50 community to develop an implementers' agreement for operating Z39.50 over XML and SOAP rather than the current BER implementations.
