MARC Standards

As of May 21, 2004, the National Library of Canada (NLC) and the National Archives of Canada (NAC) became Library and Archives Canada (LAC).

Implementation of CAN/MARC-USMARC Harmonization Changes

In February 1997, agreement was reached on the alignment of the CAN/MARC and USMARC formats. The National Library of Canada has developed a phased-in implementation of the changes for harmonization. These changes are documented in MARC Harmonization and its Impact on the CAN/MARC Bibliographic and Authority Formats.

First phase of implementation:

January 1999: All of the changes affecting only the CAN/MARC format have been implemented. (See below for changes which have not been implemented in this first phase).

Second phase of implementation:

Late 1999: Changes affecting both CAN/MARC and USMARC will be coordinated with LC.

The following changes fall into this category:

Bibliographic format changes to:

• 007/04 (MAPS) Physical medium
• 007/06 (MAPS) Production/Reproduction details
• 008/39 Cataloguing source
• 008/18-21, 006/01-04 (MAPS) Relief
• 008/22-23, 006/05-06 (MAPS) Map projection
• 008/24-25, 006/07-08 (MAPS) Prime meridian/Type of cartographic material
• 008/23-27, 006/06-10 (Visual Materials) Form of item/Accompanying material
• 009 (MAPS) Physical description fixed field (detailed)
• 016 National Library of Canada record control number
• 082 Dewey call number

Authority format changes to:

• 008/39 Cataloguing source
• 016 National Library of Canada record control number
• 055 Call number assigned in Canada (Series)
• 082 Dewey call number

Until the changes listed above are implemented, the existing CAN/MARC values will continue to be valid.

Note: Full details on the changes are available in Amendment no.6 [order CAN/MARC formats] to the CAN/MARC bibliographic format. For details on the changes to the authority format see Update to CAN/MARC Authority Format for MARC Harmonization.

For further information, please contact:

Standards
Library and Archives Canada
395 Wellington Street
Ottawa, ON   K1A 0N4
CANADA
Telephone: 819-994-6936
Fax: 819-934-4388
Email:marc@lac-bac.gc.ca