This then allows electronic access to the catalog and automated circulation using patron and item bar codes. Full MARC records contain valuable information such as summary information that can then be keyworded and searched using the electronic catalog.
MARC records are a standard format that allow exchanges of data between various sites or systems.
Because of the amount of data included in a typical MARC record, many libraries choose to hire to have the retrospective conversion process completed. Once this data has been entered, the Precision One CD is mounted, the SmartMARC software is turned on, and Alexandria is connected to the SmartMARC software. The Macintosh is left unattended to search the CD, find the matches and import the full MARC records into Alexandria. Items that do not have matches are documented in the Brodart Exception Log. It will take about 72 hours to search and process 10,000 records using this method.