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Cover art from Understanding MARC Bibliographic

Understanding MARC Authority Records:
Machine-Readable Cataloging

The organization of this document and the generic descriptions of the MARC 21 formats are adapted from the publication, Understanding MARC Bibliographic, which was originally prepared in 1988 by Betty Furrie, in conjunction with the Data Base Development Department of the Follett Software Company, and is currently updated and maintained by the Library of Congress, Network Development and MARC Standards Office.

All content about MARC 21 authority records was developed and written by the Library of Congress, Network Development and MARC Standards Office.

Published by the Cataloging Distribution Service, Library of Congress.

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Copyright © 2004 The Library of Congress, except within the U.S.A. Credit must be given when excerpting from this publication.

Understanding MARC Bibliographic: Machine-Readable Cataloging

TABLE OF CONTENTS

What is a MARC Record, and Why is it Important?

Part I: What Does MARC Mean?

Part II: Why is a MARC Record Necessary?

Part III: MARC Terms and Their Definitions

Part IV: What is a MARC Authority Record?

Part V: Are MARC Authority Records Shared?

Part VI: MARC Data Issues

Part VII: In Conclusion

MARC 21 Reference Materials -- Parts VIII-XI

Part VIII: A Summary of Commonly Used MARC 21 Authority Fields

Part IX: A List of Other Fields Often Seen in MARC Authority Records

Part X: The Leader

Part XI: Field 008

MARC 21 Reference Materials -- Part XII

Part XII: Sample Records

Selected Bibliography

Selected Library of Congress Cataloging Distribution Service Publications

MARC 21 Content Designators: A Review

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