What is a MARC record?

A MARC record refers to a type of library cataloging record that is structured to facilitate the organization and retrieval of bibliographic information within library databases. MARC stands for Machine-Readable Cataloging, which indicates that these records can be processed by computer systems.

MARC records contain essential details about a resource, such as the author, title, publication information, and subject headings, formatted in a standardized way that allows for interoperability between different library systems. This standardization is crucial for ensuring that library materials can be easily cataloged and accessed across various platforms and institutions.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent what a MARC record is. Database management standards focus on the organization and manipulation of data rather than cataloging records specifically designed for libraries. Digital formats for e-books refer to the ways in which electronic books are formatted for reading devices, while guidelines for indexing websites pertain to how web content is organized and retrieved, neither of which relate directly to MARC records. Thus, identifying MARC records as a specific type of library cataloging record is the most accurate representation of their purpose and functionality in the field of library science.