How Will MARC Be Taught?
Via example. MARC records will be examined repeatedly, in library OPACs all across the country. The best way to learn this type of skill is via a good brief textbook, and by as many examples as you need to get you to the point where you are not simply simulating or copying someone else’s work, but you “know” where things are entered and why they are entered there. The key is focus. It is important not to read too much about the theories behind cataloging, the different cataloging systems used around the world, or the history of cataloging, and to actually practice seeing the OPAC as a MARC display, and to actually create parts of MARC records. Seeing what belongs in an detailed MARC record is important to creating or editing what you want seen by patrons of your library OPAC.
