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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

There is no list of of “mandatory” data elements that must appear in a MARC 21 record. Thereotically, a record could simply consist of a leader and a 245 (title) field. However, there is a list of the MARC 21 data elements required to meet minimal and national level requirements in the United States for the bibliographic and authority formats. Please note that other countries may have different lists of required data elements.

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

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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