MARC: What is it & how does it work

Michelle MoreauMichelle.Moreau@eagles.usm.edu

MA chine Readable Cataloging record

Machine ReadableA particular type of machine can read and interpret the data in the cataloging record.Example: a computer.

Cataloging recordA bibliographic record or information shown on a catalog card.The record includes: Description of the item Main entry and added entries Subject headings Classification or call numbers

Description:

Anglo-American Cataloging Rules, 2nd ed., 2002 revision (AACR2)are used to compose a bibliographic description of a library item.The description includes: Title Statement of responsibility Physical description Series Notes Standard numbers

Main Entry &

Added Entry

Retrieval points in the library catalog where patrons should be able to look up the item.Multiple entries for an item are determined by: Is there more than one author? Is it part of a series? How is the authors name written? Is this a main entry item ( no

author listed)?

Subject HeadingsSubject headings are determined by using an approved list to ensure consistency.Approved lists: Sears List of Subject Headings

(Sears) Library of Congress Subject

Headings (LCSH)

Example: All books on cats would be filed under ‘Cats’ instead of ‘Feline’ so patron would not have to guess where the books are.

Call NumberPurpose is to place items on the same subject together on the same shelf in the library.

Call numbers for an item are selected from one of two classification systems:

Dewy Decimal Library of Congress

Why MARC?

Computers need guides in order to know where to place information. MARC provides these guides in a uniform manner Programs can be written to search for and pull information by certain

fields. One standard allows libraries to share their work and prevents

duplication of work.

LC MARC vs. MARC 21

LC MARC Devised in 1960 by Library of

Congress Uses brief numbers, letters, and

symbols Used internationally Uses textual information to mark

fields Example: ‘publication area,’ ‘place

of publication,’ ‘name of publisher,’ and ‘date of publication.’

MARC 21 Evolved from LC MARC Replaces LC MARC Standard that most computer

libraries use Uses tags to mark fields

Example: ‘260’ ‘$a’ ‘$b’ ‘$c’

MARC Terminology

Field – divide each bibliographic record into logical fields. Tag – a 3-digit number associated with each field. Indicators – 2 character positions following tags that can be used as

indicators. Indicator value – 0 to 9; each indicator is a single digit with it’s own meaning.

Subfields - each type of data within a field. Subfield code – lower case letter preceded by a delimiter. Delimiter – a character used to separate the subfields. Content Designators – inclusive term referring to tags, indicators, and

subfield codes. Authority control – following a recognized or established form.

General RulesTags divide by the hundreds. MARC 21 basic divisions for bibliographic records:

TAGS DEFINED0XX Control information, numbers, codes1XX Main entry

2XXTitles, edition, imprint (in general, the title, statement of responsibility, edition, and publication information)

3XX Physical description, etc.4XX Series statements (as shown in the book)5XX Notes6XX Subject added entries7XX Added entries othe than subject or series8XX Series added entries (other authoritative forms)

Thank you for your time.

Bibliography

What is a MARC record, and why is it important? (2009, October 27).