Registration tool

Z39.50 Checker Tool

Before submitting your library to PakCat, confirm your catalogue server is reachable over the Z39.50 protocol. Enter your server details below to run a live connectivity check.

Download Setup Guide (PDF)
Live Tool

Check Your Z39.50 Server

Enter your library's IP address or hostname and its Z39.50 port (the default is usually 210). This test opens a live network connection to confirm the server is reachable from PakCat.

How to Enable Z39.50 on Koha 23

This quick reference explains how to enable the Z39.50 server on Koha 23. For screenshots, the alternative Zebra method, and testing with MarcEdit, refer to the full SOP below.

Prerequisites

Koha 23.x installed and running on Ubuntu/Debian, with root or sudo access.
Your Koha instance name. List your instances with: sudo koha-list
The yaz-client utility installed for testing: sudo apt install yaz
Your server’s public IP address, with the Z39.50 port reachable from the internet (ask your network team to forward it if you’re behind a firewall).

Quick Steps (Method A)

  1. 1

    Enable the responder for your instance

    sudo koha-z3950-responder --enable <instancename>
  2. 2

    Start the Z39.50 server

    sudo koha-z3950-responder --start <instancename>
  3. 3

    Open the port in your firewall

    sudo ufw allow 2100/tcp
  4. 4

    Confirm the server is listening

    sudo ss -tlnp | grep 2100

Test It's Working

  • Terminal: run yaz-client localhost:2100, then run it again with your public IP from a different machine to confirm the firewall is open.
  • Browser (SRU): visit http://YOUR.SERVER.IP:2101/biblios?version=1.1&operation=searchRetrieve&query=islam — a successful response returns MARCXML records.
  • MarcEdit 7.15: go to Tools → Z39.50/SRU Client → Add New Z39.50 Server, enter your host, port, and database (biblios), then run a search to confirm results.

Quick Troubleshooting

yaz-client works on localhost but not from outside

The port is not open in your firewall or router — open it and confirm with an online port checker.

Connection refused on localhost

The responder is not running. Run: sudo koha-z3950-responder --start <instancename>

Search connects but returns no records

The Zebra index is empty or stale. Run: sudo koha-rebuild-zebra -f -v <instancename>

Changed port but old port still in use

Restart the responder (Method A) or Zebra (Method B) after editing the configuration.

For assistance with Z39.50 setup or PakCat registration, contact Nabi Bux, Web Manager, PASTIC — webmaster@pastic.gov.pk

Full SOP with screenshots, Method B & MarcEdit steps (PDF)

How This Fits Into Registration

  1. Enable Z39.50 Protocol

    Enable the Z39.50 protocol on your library system — this is required for your collection to be searchable on PakCat.

  2. Check Z39.50 Status

    Use the checker above to confirm your server is reachable before submitting your library for registration.

  3. Submit Your Library

    Once your server shows as reachable, complete the Add Library form with accurate details and submit it for review.

  4. Automatic Addition

    Once your submission is verified, your library is added to PakCat and your collection becomes searchable across the platform.

Tips

Confirm your Z39.50 server is publicly accessible and not blocked by a firewall.
Double-check the port number before testing — the Z39.50 default is usually 210.
Already part of the Pakistan Library Consortium? Your library is added automatically — no need to use this tool.
Running into issues with the checker tool or your submission? Contact our support team — we're happy to help.