Insights into the Future of MARC
I definitely feel behind the curve! I just discovered yesterday (while looking around for cataloging stuff to blog about) Roy Tennant's recent article where he mentions the MARC Content Designation Utilization project (MCDU project). This is the first I've heard of it. It's quite an impressive empirical study on the extent to which catalogers have used the MARC 21 content designation. Check out the MCDU website (important reading for all those interested in the future of the MARC format).
Also, ALCTS is sponsoring Informing the Future of MARC: An Empirical Approach at the ALA Annual Conference on Saturday, June 23, 2007. This program will deal with the findings of the MCDU project. Here's the ALA program description:
"Informing the Future of MARC: An Empirical Approach
ALCTS
Track: Collection Management & Technical Services; Cataloging & Metadata
Did you know that catalogers use only 10-20% of available MARC fields/subfields? Given evolving search behaviors and the amazoogle effects, do our bibliographic records provide information users need? This program presents findings from a major IMLS-funded research study on catalogers' use of MARC (http:// www.mcdu.unt.edu) and an opportunity to discuss future directions for MARC and cataloging practices in the context of FRBR, RDA, and XML. The study's results provide a needed empirical basis to inform MARC's future.
Speakers: Dr. William E. Moen, Associate Professor, School of Library and Information Sciences, University of North Texas; Dr. Shawne D. Miksa, Assistant Professor, School of Library and Information Sciences, University of North Texas; Sally H. McCallum, Chief, Network Development and MARC Standards Office, Library of Congress