Which standard query language is used for searching text files based on keywords in a library automation system?

Which standard query language is used for searching text files based on keywords in a library automation system?

• A. HTML
• B. Z39.50
• C. MARC
• D. XML

Answer: (B)

Z39.50 is the standard you use for searching library catalogs and other bibliographic databases across different systems. It defines a uniform way for a search client to contact a server, submit keyword-based queries, and receive results, which makes it possible to search text fields consistently across multiple databases. That targeted role in library automation—enabling interoperable, keyword-driven searches—is what makes it the best choice here. The other options aren’t about searching databases. HTML and XML are markup languages for structuring or presenting content, not for querying. MARC is a data format for bibliographic records, used to encode catalog data, not to perform searches.

Z39.50 is the standard you use for searching library catalogs and other bibliographic databases across different systems. It defines a uniform way for a search client to contact a server, submit keyword-based queries, and receive results, which makes it possible to search text fields consistently across multiple databases. That targeted role in library automation—enabling interoperable, keyword-driven searches—is what makes it the best choice here.

The other options aren’t about searching databases. HTML and XML are markup languages for structuring or presenting content, not for querying. MARC is a data format for bibliographic records, used to encode catalog data, not to perform searches.