MARC: What is it & How does it work?

1. MARC:
What is it & how does it work
Michelle Moreau
Michelle.Moreau@eagles.usm.edu

2. MA chine Readable Cataloging
record
Machine Readable
A particular type of machine can
read and interpret the data in the
cataloging record.
Example: a computer.
Cataloging record
A 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

3. 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

4. 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)?

5. Subject Headings
Subject 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.

6. Call Number
Purpose 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

7. 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.

8. 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’

9. 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.

10. General Rules
Tags divide by the hundreds.
 MARC 21 basic divisions for bibliographic records:
TAGS DEFINED
0XX Control information, numbers, codes
1XX Main entry
2XX
Titles, 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 Notes
6XX Subject added entries
7XX Added entries othe than subject or series
8XX Series added entries (other authoritative forms)

11. Thank you
for your time.

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