> Moreover,
> there is a big difference between 1) *requiring* the use of the MARC
> format for everyone doing cataloging, and 2) prohibiting everyone from
> learning more about the underlying metadata structures.  I hope my
> previous posts on this topic didn't give the impression that I was
> espousing the latter; nothing could be further from the truth!

Oops, what I meant was:

There is a big difference between 1) allowing the use of natural-language, non-MARC input forms for anyone doing cataloging, and 2) prohibiting everyone from learning more about the underlying metadata structures.

That is, I am *for* helping things out by making easier input tools, but I am *not* in favor of allowing *only* those tools.

Kevin M. Randall
Principal Serials Cataloger
Northwestern University Library
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(847) 491-2939

Proudly wearing the sensible shoes since 1978!