Seriously...pay to get your books cataloged and processed

MARC record compatibility can make or break your cataloging workflow. If your automation system doesn’t support MARC records, you’re going to be spending a disgustingly long amount of time doing manual data entry. This could lead to missing call numbers, inaccuracies, and inconsistencies. Trust me, I know—my assistant and I are currently untangling the mess left by years of inconsistent manual cataloging. 🙄

What is a MARC record?

MARC (Machine-Readable Cataloging) records contain book details like title, author, subject headings, and reading levels. They ensure your books are searchable and sortable, keeping your catalog clean, consistent, and functional. Without MARC compatibility, you’ll be stuck entering data manually, leading to inconsistencies and frustration. And let’s be real—no librarian has time for that.

Outsource, outsource, outsource

Most school librarians don’t have time to catalog and process every book by hand. I certainly don’t. That’s why companies like Mackin and Titlewave provide books pre-processed with MARC records, barcodes, and spine labels. It is worth every. single. penny. But if your system can’t properly import those records, it defeats the purpose of outsourcing in the first place.

What to look for in an automation system

Make sure the system can:

✔ Import/export MARC records without errors
✔ Handle batch uploads
✔ Support subject headings and reading levels
✔ Sync with vendors that provide MARC records

The bottom line

A MARC-compatible system saves time, ensures accurate records, and lets you fully benefit from outsourced cataloging. If your current setup doesn’t do that, an upgrade is worth it and probably the best move for you—and your collection!