An external resource is a connection to a different library that allows copying bibliographic MARC records, using Z39.50 or SRU protocols.

Requirements for Creating an External Resource

• A resource can only be created if the target library has a working Z39.50 or SRU gateway.
• Before proceeding, check if the external resource is already listed at:
  Alma's External Resources List

Information Required for the addition of a new resource

Please include the following details:

For Z39.50 Resources:

• Name of Resource
• Hostname:Port
• URL to Z39.50 Configuration Page (if available)
• Link to Library’s Main Search Page
• Record Type (e.g. UNIMARC, USMARC)
• Database Code Target (e.g. COPAC, CAR01, MARC)
• Requires Authentication? (Yes/No; if yes, provide credentials for testing)
• Short library Description

If it is an Alma intuition, we create an SRU resource: 

• Name of Resource
• Short library Description
• Link to Library’s Main Search Page (Usually the Primo search page)
• MARC Record Type (e.g. UNIMARC, MARC21)
• SRU Base URL
  Format: <Alma URL>/view/sru/<institution_code>
  Example:
  If Alma URL is https://exl.alma.exlibrisgroup.com
  and institution code is EXL_INST01, then:
  https://exl.alma.exlibrisgroup.com/view/sru/EXL_INST01
• Requires Authentication? (Yes/No; if yes, provide credentials for testing)

For SRU Resources Not in Alma:

• Name of Resource
• Short library Description
• Link to Library’s Main Search Page
• Technical guide for the SRU configuration.
  Example:
  German National Library SRU Guide