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Research : Activities : Gather Evidence to Inform Changes in MARC Metadata Practices

Gather Evidence to Inform Changes Needed in MARC Metadata Practices

This activity conducts new research to provide evidence to inform possible changes in MARC metadata practices that could lead to better user access to the collective collection.

Background

There are three categories of MARC metadata users: information professionals, end-users, and machines. The ability to present users with an overview of available works from thousands of possible manifestations depends on having reliable bibliographic data elements present for machine matching.

RLG Partners participating in discussions about metadata management recommended creating a “MARC Tag Working Group” to gather evidence that could inform more efficient and effective MARC metadata creation practices that would also ensure reliable data elements required for matching records across different environments.

Impact

The working group’s analysis and recommendations will help information professionals who create MARC metadata focus on key elements needed to link their records with other resources for the same work.

Details

The questions the working group is currently addressing:

  • What data elements are currently utilized by systems in order to deliver functionality to users? What MARC data elements are not used?
  • Are “core” data elements needed to support user tasks the same data elements that are needed by systems’ matching algorithms to deliver effective union catalogues and/or to FRBRize search results?
  • How reliable are the indicators for compliance with bibliographic standards for levels of cataloging?

The results of the analysis done on WorldCat and union catalogs in Australia, Canada, and UK will lead to recommendations about specific MARC data elements that warrant attention. The group will also identify problems in gathering evidence.

Outputs

Outputs will include at minimum a published report and Webinars.

Team Members

Name Institution
Catherine Argus National Library of Australia
John Chapman University of Minnesota
Naun Chew University of Minnesota
Peter Hirsch New York Public Library
Paul Priebe University of California, Los Angeles
Lisa Rowlison de Ortiz University of California, Berkeley
Hugh Taylor University of Cambridge
Mary Beth Weber Rutgers University



Last update: 11 August 2009.