Format Designation in MARC Records: A Look Under the Hood

Abstract

Abstract: MARC format designation has ramifications for search and retrieval, limits, and facets, both in Voyager and further downstream when the MARC data is extracted for ingest into discovery tools such as Primo, Summon, and VuFind. To the uninitiated, the “format” of the item being described is a seemingly simple data point. In reality, parsing a MARC record to determine the format is full of complexities and challenges. This presentation will touch on abstract vs. concrete forms; format designation in the Leader, 006, 007, and 008 fixed fields as well as the 245 and 300 variable fields; pseudo-formats; what is mandatory vs. optional in cataloging practice; and the differences between cataloging theory and practice as observed via format-related data mining of a mid-size academic library collection.