MARC Format Integration and Seriality

MARC format integration, the combining of the seven MARC formats into one, will have special implications for serials control. It presumes that (1) any material type, whether print or non-print, may be serial in nature and (2) a print serial may be accompanied by a non-print item. A new MARC field, an 006, which parallels the 008 field is being created to provide the necessary description for both cases. In addition, various fields, subfields, and indicators are being deleted, made obsolete, or expanded. Implementation is planned for late 1993 or 1994, and may also affect screen displays and searching.