MARC is the acronym for MAchine-Readable Cataloging. It defines a data format that emerged from a Library of Congress-led initiative that began nearly forty years ago. It provides the mechanism by which computers exchange, use, and interpret bibliographic information, and its data elements make up the foundation of most library catalogs used today. MARC became USMARC in the 1980s and MARC 21 in the late 1990s.

MARC 21 is not a new format. After having discussions and making minor changes to both formats that accommodated USMARC and CAN/MARC users' specific needs, the USMARC and CAN/MARC (Canadian MARC) formats were “harmonized” into MARC 21 in 1997. See http://www.loc.gov/marc/annmarc21.html for more information about the harmonization.

The Network Development and MARC Standards Office at the Library of Congress and the Standards and the Support Office at the Library and Archives Canada maintain the MARC 21 formats. Input for development is provided by MARC 21 users from around the world, including libraries, library networks and utilities, and library system vendors. See http://www.loc.gov/marc/overview.html for more information about the development and maintenance of the formats.

The MARC 21 formats are updated annually in October. Other documentation is updated as it becomes necessary.

Understanding MARC Bibliographic is a good introduction to the MARC 21 bibliographic format and includes a bibliography, discussion questions and examples. It is widely used and has been translated into several different languages. Understanding MARC Authority Records is a good introduction to the MARC 21 authority format and includes a bibliography, discussion questions and examples.

The MARC 21 Translations page contains a list of documents that are either direct translations or close adaptations of the MARC 21 formats and other MARC documentation. Where applicable, information regarding differences between the translations and MARC 21 is provided. The formats are listed alphabetically by the language of each translation and include full bibliographic citations and contact information.

There are many abbreviations, specialized terms and acronyms the Division uses in documents regarding the prevention and cleanup of hazardous materials. Please refer to our Glossary/Acronyms webpage to see definitions for commonly used terms and acronyms.

The military, and the government in general just loves acronyms. HERE is a good place to see what they mean.

The MARC Forum is a listserv maintained by the Network Development and MARC Standards Office and is open to anyone interested in the implementation, maintenance and development of the MARC 21 formats. The forum provides an opportunity for members of the information community to participate in discussions related to the formats. Vendor, network, technical service, automation, and reference staff and researchers are encouraged to participate.

Translations of the MARC 21 formats and other MARC documentation are greatly encouraged because of their usefulness to the entire MARC 21 community. The Network Development and MARC Standards Office does ask that intellectual credit information be included in the translation.

A list of some of the bibliographic tools that support the MARC 21 formats is at www.loc.gov/marc/marctools.html. It includes software programs that provide enhanced usability to MARC 21 records and systems. Some of the tools are freeware or open source.

A list of some of the record services that support the MARC 21 formats is at www.loc.gov/marc/marcrecsvrs.html. It includes services that distribute MARC 21 records, such as records for copy cataloging, records supplied with materials, records used for recon purposes, updated records, conversion services, etc.

A list of some of the systems that support the MARC 21 formats is at www.loc.gov/marc/marcsysvend.html. The list includes systems that collect, organize and manage MARC 21 records.

If you notice an error or omission in either the print or online MARC 21 documentation, please contact ndmso@loc.gov. Describe the error and where it occurs. Please be as specific as possible.

Proposals for changes to the formats may originate from any MARC 21 user. Please either fill out the MARC 21 Formats Proposed Change Form or contact the Network Development and MARC Standards Office at the Library of Congress or the Standards division at the Library and Archives Canada.

The document Guidelines for Coding Electronic Resources in Leader/06 assists users coding fixed fields in records for electronic resources. Guidelines for the Use of Field 856 provides guidance on using field 856 (Electronic location and access) in all the MARC 21 formats. Guidelines for Distinguishing Cartographic Electronic Resources from other Electronic Resources assists catalogers working with cartographic electronic resources.

Risus is Latin for "laughter." Since Risus is designed primarily as a "universal comedy system," it seemed to suit, since it's short and simple and easy to remember. Very early versions of the game (circa 1988-89) had working titles like "GUCS" (Generic Universal Comedy System)! Eek. I pronounce "Risus" with an "ee" and a short "u," with emphasis on the first syllable ("REE-sus").

Sometimes it seems the computer has unleashed a severe case of acronymitis on the world. Hardly a day goes by without some new term, usually an acronym, slipping across the radar screen. People entering a new field such as photovoltaics, may experience this to an unsettling Nth degree.

RFID stands for "Radio Frequency IDentification" which is an automatic data registration technology where tiny chips are used for the tracking of products by attaching them to the products themselves or their packaging. With these little chips, the whereabouts of objects can be detected - even through a wallet, a rucksack or a bag.

CAE Online was founded in 1983 as the Corporate Asset Exchange, and changed its name to CAE Online when we created the caeonline.com web site in 1999.

DITSCAP is the acronym for DoD Information Technology Security Certification and Accreditation Process.

The acronym "TRIPS" refers to "trade–related intellectual property issues". The TRIPS Agreement is part of the GATT-WTO system. It breaks new ground because it does not deal strictly with trade in goods. It fills the IPR gap within GATT by establishing minimum levels of protection for copyrights, trademarks, geographical indications, industrial designs, patents, plant varieties, computer chip layout designs, and trade secrets.

The Network Development and MARC Standards Office has developed a framework for working with MARC data in a XML environment. This framework is intended to be flexible and extensible, allowing users to work with MARC data in ways that meet their specific needs. The framework contains many components such as schemas, stylesheets, and software tools developed and maintained by the Library of Congress. Conversion utilities between MARC (ISO 2709) and MARCXML are also available. Please see www.loc.

Before requesting a MARC 21 organization code, please first search the MARC Code List for Organizations. If you do not find a code for your organization, click on one of these links to access a request form in the language of your choice. You may use the online form to request up to three codes. If more than three codes are needed, please submit a list of the organizations with their names and addresses (including street, city, state, postal code, and country) via email to ndmso@loc.

Requests should include a full bibliographic citation and a scan, photocopy or Internet link for the item to be added.

The Online Proof of Registration Service provides businesses with the ability to verify their registration status with the Division of Revenue in real time. A business can print its BRC directly from this online system. This service is provided free of charge and can be accessed at any time. Businesses can obtain as many certificates as needed, as often as needed. Businesses can contact the Client Registration Bureau at 609-292-1730 and request duplicate copies via regular mail.

It means “Reason for Decision,” and the college debaters use that because a lot of their judges do. Like all acronyms, it is confusing and only marginally useful.

NAMI, the Nation's Voice on Mental Illness was founded in 1979 as the National Alliance on Mental Illness. "NAMI" was officially made our corporate name in 1997, after a vote of the membership. This was done after years of discussion that the full name was not person-first language and perpetuated the very stigma we hope to erase.