Keywords

MARC, XML, Bibliographic information, Cataloging, Indexing

Abstract

Some of the issues in discussion between MARC and XML deal with the desire to expand the content of the bibliographic record. An often-cited example is the library that wishes to enrich the current electronic record with a table of contents. Although a table of contents inclusion is actually possible with the MARC record, it is certainly not an ideal platform for such content. The MARC record is described as being a "flat" record, meaning it does not have a hierarchal nature. As such, it is a poor candidate for hierarchal structures such as a table of contents. A discussion of strengths and weaknesses and perceived risk of XML adoption is given.