MARC 21 MAchine Readable Cataloging Laura Hawley and Cara Orban

MARC 21 Stands for “machine readable cataloging.” 21 is the latest version and refers to the twenty-first century. Enables computers to interpret the information found in a traditional cataloging record by way of data, or “signposts” placed before each field of bibliographic information.

MARC 21 The original version, LC MARC, was created by the Library of Congress in the 1960s. The LOC maintains MARC 21 to this day.

HISTORY Librarians have shared cataloging information long before the advent of computers. Cataloging sources: Library of Congress, Cataloging in Publication (CIP), library journals

Computers improve sharing capabilities The new MARC system allowed libraries to use and contribute records, or simply to purchase computer-printed cards from LOC. Modern libraries can store MARC records on their online catalogs.

MARC Regulation MARBI Represents three ALA groups: ALCTS, LITA, and RUSA Assures that all types of expertise are considered MARC Advisory Committee Represents national libraries, vendors, and bibliographic utilities Discusses proposals for changes or additions

Specifications LOC created the first edition of this document in Provides technical information on MARC records.

Standards Standards established for exchange of MARC records by floppy diskette, FTP Anyone who distributes cataloging data should be able to provide standard MARC 21 cataloging in standard format.

MARC’s Construction Divided into sections, beginning with a tag Indicators help with form, spacing Subfields: staff, lowercase letter These fields indicate how the record should appear in the catalog a The stranger TitleStranger, The

Important MARC fields ISBN # Library of Congress # Personal name Title Edition statement Topical subject Other personal names

Subfields: can be as specific as needed. Example: name main entry a: personal name b: numeration c: title d: dates 100 0_ +aJohn Paul +bII, +cPope, +d

Standardization To take full advantage of MARC’s sharing capabilities, we must use standardized records. Sears List of Subject Headings Library of Congress Subject Headings

Authority Control (from SOURCE OF HEADINGS: Library of Congress Online Catalog INFORMATION FOR: Twain, Mark, Please note: Broader Terms are not currently available Select a Link Below to Continue... Authority Record Scope Note See Also: Clemens, Samuel Langhorne, Clemens, Samuel Langhorne, See Also: Snodgrass, Quintus Curtius, Snodgrass, Quintus Curtius, See Also: Conte, Louis de, Conte, Louis de,

MARC 21 Advantages The most commonly used system in library catalogs Easily duplicated and standardized Improves ease and efficiency, cooperation Can be formatted for any type of library

Dissenters say: “There are only two kinds of people who believe themselves able to read a MARC record without referring to a stack of manuals: a handful of our top catalogers and those on serious drugs.” – Roy Tennant

MARC 21 Disadvantages Not enough focus on electronic resources Too complex Redundant English language and Western oriented

Suggestions Expand field use for greater searching capability More focus on electronic resources Use complexity to advantage Improve non-English or non-Western MARC systems

The Future of MARC 21 Flexibility, reliability, granularity Partnering with new technologies

Sources Khurshid, Z. (2002). From MARC to MARC 21 and beyond: some reflections on MARC and the Arabic language. Library Hi Tech, 20 (3), Tennant, R. (2002). MARC must die. Library Journal, October 15, Yee, M. (2004). New perspectives on the shared cataloging environment and a MARC 21 shopping list. Library Services & Technical Services Abstracts, 48 (3),