MARC21

For decades the MARC standards (Machine Readable Cataloguing) forms the basis for cataloguing in the library. Through the years, MARC is adjusted to developments in the field, so that by now much more than traditional library material can be processed. Although MARC21 is not always immediately apparent, it is used ‘under water’ in most catalogue applications.

MARC is of great importance for the digital exchange of information. It is widely used as the standard exchange format for bibliographic data. As well MARC appears to go well with the introduction of RDA.

In short, an Information specialists has every reason to get to know MARC 21 (the most recent version of MARC).

Target Audience

This course is aimed at librarians who are cataloguing or dealing with the (details) bibliographic information exchange. In addition, the course is also suitable for participants who want to deepen on the basis of a specific standard in information exchange.

Structure

During this 2 day workshop our lecturer will guide you through the course material in an interactive and practical way to ensure that you not only get the needed knowledge and insight but develop your skills as well.

To get the best result out of the course we strongly recommend to bring your own device to the course.

Result

The participant knows the different MARC 21 standards and their consistency and how these standards are used. The participant knows how to read the most important MARC 21 fields. The participant is familiar with several practical examples of information exchanges done with MARC 21.

Content

The MARC21 course covers the following topics:

• A brief history of MARC
• The MARC standards (bibliographic, authority, holdings, classifications and community information)
• Structure of a MARC record
• MARC and formats
• Examples: many MARC fields used (and how they are filled in various formats)
• Information exchange with MARC (incl. MARCXML)
• The future of MARC and RDA