Standard Interchange Protocol
Encyclopedia
The Standard Interchange Protocol is a proprietary standard for communication between library computer system
s and self-service circulation terminals. Although owned and controlled by 3M
, the protocol is published and is widely used by other vendors. Version 2.0 of the protocol, known as "SIP2", is a de-facto standard for library self-service applications.
SIP2 was widely adopted by library automation vendors, including 3M itself, Checkpoint, Envisionware, and open source
integrated library system
software such as Koha
. The standard was the basis for the National Information Standards Organization Circulation Interchange Protocol
standard which is eventually intended to replace it.
The protocol specifies messages to check books in and out, to manage fee payments, to request holds and renewals, and to carry out the other basic circulation operations of a library.
Library computer system
A library computer system is the software used to catalog, track circulation and inventory a library's assets. It is intended for home, church, private enterprise or other small to medium sized collections...
s and self-service circulation terminals. Although owned and controlled by 3M
3M
3M Company , formerly known as the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company, is an American multinational conglomerate corporation based in Maplewood, Minnesota, United States....
, the protocol is published and is widely used by other vendors. Version 2.0 of the protocol, known as "SIP2", is a de-facto standard for library self-service applications.
History
SIP version 1.0 was published by 3M in 1993. The first version of the protocol supported basic check in and check out operations, but had minimal support for more advanced operations. Version 2.0 of the protocol was published in 2006 and added support for flexible, more user-friendly notifications, and for the automated processing of payments for late fees.SIP2 was widely adopted by library automation vendors, including 3M itself, Checkpoint, Envisionware, and open source
Open source
The term open source describes practices in production and development that promote access to the end product's source materials. Some consider open source a philosophy, others consider it a pragmatic methodology...
integrated library system
Integrated library system
An integrated library system , also known as a library management system ,is an enterprise resource planning system for a library, used to track items owned, orders made, bills paid, and patrons who have borrowed....
software such as Koha
Koha (software)
Koha is an open source Integrated Library System , used world-wide by public, school and special libraries. The name koha comes from a Māori term for a gift or donation .- Features :...
. The standard was the basis for the National Information Standards Organization Circulation Interchange Protocol
National Information Standards Organization Circulation Interchange Protocol
National Information Standards Organization Circulation Interchange Protocol is a protocol that is limited to the exchange of messages between and among computer-based applications to enable them to perform functions necessary to lend and borrow items, to provide controlled access to electronic...
standard which is eventually intended to replace it.
Description
SIP is a simple protocol in which requests to perform operations are sent over a connection, and responses are sent in return. The protocol explicitly does not define how a connection between the two devices is established; it is limited to specifying the format of the messages sent over the connection. There are no "trial" transactions; each operation will be attempted immediately and will either be permitted or not.The protocol specifies messages to check books in and out, to manage fee payments, to request holds and renewals, and to carry out the other basic circulation operations of a library.