Shared cataloging in Germany

Abstract

The history of shared cataloging in German Federal Lands is overviewed, followed by the presentation of the Land network of Baden-Württemberg SWB (Südwestdeutscher Biblio-theksverbund). This network is controlled by an organization independent of libraries, the BSZ (Bibliotheksinformations-Zentrum) with its center in Konstanz. The old systems installed in the 80s in Ihe Lands have become obsolete both technologically and conceptually. Baden-Württemberg has been cooperating with other Lands {Bayern, Nord-Rhein-Westfalien, Sachsen) and with the Deutsches Bibliotheksinstitut to select, purchase and install together advanced systems and equipment. They selected the Horizon integrated system produced by Ameritech Library Services. The new system meet challenges set by modern services, it is based on open system (Unix) and standards (SQL, Z39.50, UNICODE, ILL, MARC). They can be used to maintain traditional services and they can be used for improved services: shared cataloging, fulltext storage and retrieval, making possible information catalog applications, users can access databases on Z39.50 surface, interlibrary lending and document delivery services.