Data Format/Exchange Standards
Data format/exchange standards provide a way to structure and express metadata standards for
machine processing, publication, and implementation. They aid in interoperability and sharing
of metadata. Many of the examples below use XML (Extensible
Markup Language).
MARC (Machine Readable Cataloging)
MARC is a metadata standard used as a way to exchange
bibliographic data between integrated library systems. MARC is also a
data structure standard used for
describing bibliographic materials.
Who Uses MARC?
Primarily the library community uses the MARC format. More information about MARC can be found
on the BATS Cataloging Rules webpage.
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MARCXML
The Library of Congress is developing a framework
for working with MARC data in an XML environment. It is intended to be flexible and extensible
to allow users to work with MARC data in ways specific to their needs. The framework will contain
schemas, stylesheets, and software tools.
Who Uses MARCXML?
MARCXML is intended for use by institutions already using MARC. One might use MARC XML to represent
a complete MARC record in XML or to represent metadata for OAI harvesting.
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METS (Metadata Encoding and Transmission Standard)
The Metadata Encoding and Transmission Standard (METS)
is a data encoding and transmission specification expressed in XML. It provides the means to convey
metadata necessary for the management of digital objects within a repository and for the exchange of
objects between digital repositories.
Who Uses METS?
Use of METS has steadily increased since 2001. The METS community includes University Libraries,
Archives, and Museums. Those institutions which have chosen to register their implementation can be
found on the METS Implementation
Registry.
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MODS (Metadata Object Description Schema)
The Metadata Object Description Schema (MODS) is an
XML markup for metadata from existing MARC records as well as original resource description. As MODS
is expressed in XML it is more universal than MARC, especially outside the library world. The standard
is maintained by the Network Development and MARC Standards Office of the Library of Congress.
Who Uses MODS?
Primarily used by libraries and intended for use by library applications. Other uses for MODS can be
found by visiting the MODS website.
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