What do MARC records standardize?

MARC records, which stand for Machine-Readable Cataloging records, are a standardized way of encoding bibliographic information about books and other library materials. The standardization of MARC records allows different library systems and software to share and exchange cataloging information seamlessly. This means that regardless of which library system is used, the bibliographic data can be understood and accessed uniformly across various platforms. By standardizing the format of bibliographic records, MARC helps to ensure consistency and compatibility in the way libraries catalog their collections, making it easier for patrons and librarians alike to find and use resources in different library settings.