Introduction to Using MARC Source Data to Build a Database

What is MARC?

Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC) is a National International Standards Organization (NISO) standard that contains bibliographic information in defined fields. MARC allows for the sharing of resources without unnecessary duplication between libraries in a predictable, reliable format using fields that are marked by numbered tags. MARC source data is generally obtained or created in one of the following two ways:

• by using vendor software to create or convert bibliographic catalogues into MARC format.
• by using commercial databases in MARC format.

How is MARC data used by the Database Builder software?

Open SiteSearch Database Builder 4.0 requires that data exist in ASN.1/BER format so that it can be usable and searchable as a local database. MARC's defined data structure allows for easy data conversion to ASN.1/BER format for use by the SiteSearch system. Marcconv, a conversion utility included in the Database Builder software, creates ASN.1/BER formatted data from the MARC source data.

How does MARC source data appear in a file?

Because MARC is a machine-readable format, it is difficult to simply read a MARC file. Below is an example of a typical raw MARC record that would be converted to ASN.1/BER format for use by the SiteSearch system.

Example

01105nmm 2200277Ia4500010013000000030006000130050017000190080041000 36040001300077096001300090049000900103245005200112256001900164260005 90018351600420024253808000284538007600364500002900440521001300469520 01530048265000240063565000190065650001600678710003500694856009800729 ^^ocm35003642^^OCoLC^^19000000000108.0^^960628s1995 cau d eng d^^ ^_aFQM^_cFQM^^ ^_aINTERNET^^ ^_a||||^^00^_aOphthalm ic Anesthesia Society^_h[computer file].^^ ^_aComputer data.^^ ^_aS an Diego, CA :^_bOphthalmic Anesthesia Society,^_c1995.^^ ^_aHtml t ext andimages in GIF and JPeg.^^ ^_aSystem requirements: Html brows er, JPeg compatiblebrowser or image viewer.^^ ^_aMode of access: In ternet. Host: www.iea.com/Mddans/OAS/oasM-vhomepage.html^^ ^_aTitle from title screen.^^ ^_aMedical.^^ ^_aHome page of the Ophthalmic Anesthesia Society with articles, references, e-mailaddresses of mem bers, pictures and ophthalmic anesthesia resources.^^2^_aSocieties, Medical.^^ 2^_aOphthalmology.^^ 2^_aAnesthesia.^^2 ^_aOphthalmic Ane sthesiaSociety.^^7^_uhttp://www.iea.com/Mddans/OAS/oasMvhomepage.htm l^_2http^_zOphthalmic Anesthesia Society home page^^^]01297nms

How are MARC records added, replaced, or deleted in an Open SiteSearch Database?

The record status is located in the Leader section of a MARC record in machine-coded notation. When updating a database, the record status is described in one of the following three ways in the MARC code:

• a new record that needs to be added to the database;
• an updated record that needs to replace the existing version in the database; or
• an existing record that needs to be removed from the database.

If you have purchased a commercial database, the record status should be encoded in the MARC data when you receive updates to the database. If you are creating MARC records with vendor software, refer to your documentation or software support services to make sure that the proper record status is noted to avoid having duplicate records in your database. You can override the MARC record status, however, using the flag options available in the marcconv utility program if you are unsure of the coded status of the record.

How can I learn more about MARC source data and the Database Builder software?

As you begin to work with the Database Builder tools and utilities, you will learn more about your MARC source data. The following resources will provide you with the steps necessary to create a new database from your data and will give you tips for understanding, planning, and organizing your data in the process.

Creating a New SiteSearch Database
The Marcconv Utility