Discover The Ultimate Guide To MARC 246: Your Essential Resource

What is MARC 246?

MARC 246 is a Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC) field used to describe projected publication, distribution, etc., dates for a resource. It is part of the MARC Bibliographic format, which is a standardized way of representing bibliographic data in machine-readable form. MARC 246 is used to provide information about the expected publication, distribution, etc., dates of a resource, such as a book, journal, or other publication.

The MARC 246 field is structured as follows:

• Tag: 246
• Indicator 1: 0 (Projected publication, distribution, etc., date)
• Indicator 2: 0 (Single date)
• Subfield a: Projected publication, distribution, etc., date

For example, the following MARC 246 field describes a book that is expected to be published on January 1, 2023:

246 00 0 |a 20230101

The MARC 246 field is an important tool for libraries and other organizations that need to track the publication, distribution, etc., dates of resources. It allows these organizations to create and maintain accurate records of their collections and to provide users with up-to-date information about the availability of resources.

MARC 246

MARC 246 is a Machine-Readable Cataloging (MARC) field used to describe projected publication, distribution, etc., dates for a resource. It is part of the MARC Bibliographic format, which is a standardized way of representing bibliographic data in machine-readable form.

• Tag: 246
• Indicator 1: 0 (Projected publication, distribution, etc., date)
• Indicator 2: 0 (Single date)
• Subfield a: Projected publication, distribution, etc., date

These key aspects of MARC 246 provide a comprehensive understanding of its structure and usage. MARC 246 plays a crucial role in the management and dissemination of bibliographic information, ensuring the accuracy and consistency of data.

1. Tag

Tag: 246 is an essential component of MARC 246, the Machine-Readable Cataloging field used to describe projected publication, distribution, etc., dates for a resource. The tag identifies the field as containing this specific type of information within a MARC record.

The significance of Tag: 246 lies in its role as a standardized identifier within the MARC format. It enables libraries and other organizations to consistently identify and retrieve data about projected publication dates for various resources, such as books, journals, and other publications.

For instance, in a MARC record for a forthcoming book, Tag: 246 would be used in conjunction with other fields to provide details about the expected publication date. This information is crucial for libraries and other institutions to plan acquisitions, cataloging, and patron services effectively.

Understanding the connection between Tag: 246 and MARC 246 is essential for effectively managing and disseminating bibliographic information. It ensures the accuracy and consistency of data, facilitating efficient resource discovery and retrieval.

2. Indicator 1

Indicator 1 of MARC 246, set to 0, signifies that the field contains a projected publication, distribution, etc., date for a resource. This indicator plays a crucial role in providing information about the expected availability of various resources, such as books, journals, and other publications.

• Identification of Projected Dates:
  Indicator 1: 0 enables the clear identification of projected dates within MARC records. It distinguishes these dates from actual publication dates or other types of dates, ensuring accurate and consistent data.
• Planning and Acquisition:
  Libraries and other institutions rely on projected publication dates to plan their acquisitions and cataloging processes effectively. This information helps them anticipate the arrival of new resources and prepare for their integration into collections.
• Patron Services:
  Projected publication dates are valuable for patron services. Libraries can use this information to inform patrons about upcoming releases, generate anticipation, and manage waitlists or pre-orders.
• Resource Discovery:
  MARC 246 with Indicator 1: 0 contributes to resource discovery by providing projected publication dates in bibliographic records. This information enhances the visibility of forthcoming resources and aids researchers and other users in planning their research or accessing materials.

In conclusion, Indicator 1: 0 in MARC 246 plays a vital role in the management and dissemination of bibliographic information. It ensures the accurate representation of projected publication dates, supporting effective planning, acquisition, patron services, and resource discovery within libraries and other organizations.

3. Indicator 2

Indicator 2 in MARC 246, set to 0, signifies that the field contains a single projected publication, distribution, etc., date for a resource. This indicator serves as a crucial component of MARC 246, providing specific information about the expected availability of various resources, such as books, journals, and other publications.

The significance of Indicator 2: 0 lies in its role as a precise descriptor within MARC records. It indicates that the provided date represents a single, specific date, as opposed to a range of dates or an open-ended timeframe. This clarity is essential for libraries and other organizations to accurately track and manage the availability of resources.

For instance, in a MARC record for an upcoming book, Indicator 2: 0 would be used in conjunction with other fields to provide a specific projected publication date. This information allows libraries to plan their acquisitions and cataloging processes accordingly, ensuring that the book is made available to patrons on or close to the expected release date.

Understanding the connection between Indicator 2: 0 and MARC 246 is essential for effective resource management and dissemination. It ensures the accurate representation of projected publication dates, supporting efficient planning, acquisition, patron services, and resource discovery within libraries and other organizations.

4. Subfield a

Subfield a of MARC 246, "Projected publication, distribution, etc., date," plays a critical role in providing specific information about the expected availability of a resource. It serves as a key component of MARC 246, the Machine-Readable Cataloging field used to describe projected publication, distribution, etc., dates.

• Precise Date Representation:
  Subfield a allows for the precise representation of a single projected publication, distribution, etc., date. This clarity is crucial for libraries and other organizations to accurately track and manage the availability of resources.
• Effective Planning and Acquisition:
  The projected publication date provided in Subfield a enables libraries to plan their acquisitions and cataloging processes effectively. It helps them anticipate the arrival of new resources and prepare for their integration into collections.
• Patron Services and Communication:
  Libraries can use the projected publication date to inform patrons about upcoming releases, generate anticipation, and manage waitlists or pre-orders. This information enhances patron services and communication.
• Resource Discovery and Accessibility:
  Subfield a contributes to resource discovery by providing projected publication dates in bibliographic records. This information aids researchers and other users in planning their research or accessing materials.

In summary, Subfield a of MARC 246 plays a vital role in the management and dissemination of bibliographic information. It ensures the accurate representation of projected publication dates, supporting efficient planning, acquisition, patron services, resource discovery, and accessibility within libraries and other organizations.

FAQs on MARC 246

This section addresses frequently asked questions about MARC 246, providing concise and informative answers to clarify common concerns or misconceptions.

Question 1: What is the purpose of MARC 246?

Answer: MARC 246 is a Machine-Readable Cataloging field used to describe projected publication, distribution, etc., dates for a resource. It provides specific information about the expected availability of various resources, such as books, journals, and other publications.

Question 2: Where can I find MARC 246 in a MARC record?

Answer: MARC 246 is typically located in the bibliographic data section of a MARC record, following the Leader and Directory.

Question 3: How do I interpret Indicator 1 and Indicator 2 in MARC 246?

Answer: Indicator 1 signifies the type of date (projected or actual), while Indicator 2 indicates whether a single or range of dates is provided.

Question 4: What is the significance of Subfield a in MARC 246?

Answer: Subfield a contains the actual projected publication, distribution, etc., date for the resource.

Question 5: How does MARC 246 support resource management and discovery?

Answer: MARC 246 provides accurate and consistent data about projected publication dates, enabling libraries and other organizations to plan acquisitions, provide patron services, and enhance resource discovery.

Summary: MARC 246 is a vital component of bibliographic records, supporting the effective management and dissemination of information about projected publication dates for various resources.

Transition to Next Section: Explore the practical applications of MARC 246 in library and information science.

Conclusion

MARC 246, a Machine-Readable Cataloging field, plays an indispensable role in bibliographic data management. It provides precise and consistent information about projected publication, distribution, etc., dates for various resources, enabling effective resource management and discovery.

MARC 246 supports libraries and other organizations in planning acquisitions, providing patron services, and enhancing resource accessibility. Its standardized structure and clear indicators ensure accurate data representation and efficient data exchange.

The significance of MARC 246 lies in its contribution to the seamless flow of bibliographic information, facilitating access to resources and supporting research and scholarship. As the information landscape continues to evolve, MARC 246 will remain a vital tool for organizing and disseminating bibliographic data.