The article covers the five‐year history of the implementation of Z39.50‐type products in Russia. All existing projects are mentioned in the order of their development. Since the authors are from RUSLANet, that project is described in greater detail. The architecture of a distributed library system, as well as its basic components, are presented, and the place and role of Z39.50 facilities in Russian libraries are highlighted. The obstacles the Russian library community faces in moving to a networked environment are covered. The need to develop uniquely Russian Z39.50 databases grew from specific document‐ processing features within the libraries. Some prospects for future development and use of Z39.50 environment in Russian libraries are also given.