What Is "MARC?"

MARC is an acronym for MAchine Readable Cataloging. This is a computerized method of recording the information needed in a cataloging record: the descriptive cataloging, subject headings and other access points, and classification numbers and other call number information. Creating these computer readable cataloging records means that computer programs can be designed to search for and display specified pieces of the information stored in a cataloging record. 

This type of cataloging makes the computerized catalogs that exist in most libraries today possible, and a basic understanding of how it works is essential for anyone to understanding modern cataloging and classification issues.

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