Library and Information Science

The paper first touches the trends in computer application to libraries and then introduces the MARC (Machine-Readable Catalog) Pilot Project, an experiment in the centralized production and distribution of standardized machine-readable cataloging record. Background of the Project, objectives, beginning of the Project, funds, operating site and procedures, data, staff, goals, participating libraries, MARC master tape, Machine-Readable Catalog record, equipment, MARC printout products, etc. are given in some detail. MARC II, a new tape format based on the pilot project is also mentioned. In conclusion, implications of MARC to librarianship in Japan is considered.