MARC: What is it? Describe the MARC21 record’s structure.
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MARC: What is it? Describe the MARC21 record’s structure.
MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) is a standard format used by libraries to encode bibliographic information in a machine-readable form. It was developed by the Library of Congress (LC) in the 1960s to facilitate the computerization of library catalogs and the sharing of bibliographic records among libraries. MARC records are used to describe and provide access to library materials, such as books, journals, and multimedia items.
Structure of MARC21 Record:
The MARC21 format is based on a set of rules and guidelines for encoding bibliographic information. A MARC21 record consists of three main components: the leader, the directory, and the variable data fields.
Leader: The leader is a fixed-length data element that provides information about the structure and content of the MARC record. It includes information such as the record length, the type of record, and the encoding level.
Directory: The directory is a control section of the MARC record that contains a list of tags indicating the location of each data field in the record. Each tag is followed by information about the field, including its length and starting position in the record.
Variable Data Fields: The variable data fields contain the actual bibliographic information, such as the title, author, publication date, and subject headings. Each data field is identified by a three-digit tag that indicates the type of information contained in the field.
The structure of a MARC21 record allows for the standardized representation and exchange of bibliographic information, making it easier for libraries to share and access cataloging data. MARC records can be created and edited using MARC-compatible cataloging software, and they are used by libraries worldwide to manage their collections and provide access to library materials.