Editing Components of a MARC Record

You can edit these elements of a MARC record:

Tags. The tag is the three‑digit number associated with each field. You can change or add tags in a MARC record.
Fixed Fields. Fixed fields in a MARC record include the leader and the 0XX tagged fields. They are divided into positions, which contain information in abbreviated form about the record. This information can only fill the predefined length of the field. Some positions accept not only a certain length of information, but a specific set of values or codes defined by MARC standards.

Fixed fields are also called “controlled text.” Make sure that you understand MARC standards before you make any changes in fixed fields. (For more information, see Library of Congress publications about MARC, or visit the Library of Congress web site at http://lcweb.loc.gov/marc/.)

Indicators. Horizon displays an undefined indicator as an underscore ( _ ). You can edit an indicator by replacing it with a lowercase alphanumeric character or by deleting the existing character. Make sure that you understand MARC standards before you make any changes in indicators. (For more information, see Library of Congress publications about MARC, or visit the Library of Congress web site at http://lcweb.loc.gov/marc/.)
Nonlinking fields. A nonlinking field resides in only one record and does not link to any other record. Most fields in a record are nonlinking. You can edit text in any nonlinking subfield at any time. Because the field does not link to any other record, any changes you make affect only the record that contains the nonlinking information. You can change the whole field or a part of it.
Linking subfields. A linking subfield attaches the bib record to another source of information (for example, another record or an electronic location). When you edit a linking subfield, the changes can affect every record in your database that is attached to the subfield that you edit. Make sure that your information is accurate before you edit a linking subfield.

If you have error checking turned on, double-clicking on an error message positions your cursor in the record at the error so that you can correct it easily. (For more information, see Activating Error Checking in Records.)

You can use SHIFT+F1 from a valid MARC tag in a MARC record to link directly to the Library of Congress web site where that tag is explained. Your system administrator can change the link so that it finds a different URL. (For instructions, see “Setting Up or Changing Valid MARC Record Components” in the Cataloging Setup Guide.)

To edit components of a MARC record

1 Open a MARC record.
2 Do one of these options:
Put your insertion pointer on the left side of the component where you want to enter information.
Highlight the information that you want to change.
3 Enter the new information for that component.

Note: When you have your insertion pointer in a component marker (such as a tag, indicator, or subfield delimiter) or in any other component that has valid values defined, you can press F12 for a list of valid codes. Double‑clicking on the code that you want inserts it into the proper position. (Horizon notifies you if no valid codes are available.)

 


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