Abstract
The subject of MARC coding for Arabic bibliographic data has been debated since the early 1980’s, the heyday of separate national MARC formats. However, whilst an increasing number of libraries around the world have either achieved, or are working towards, harmonisation with USMARC, in the world of Arabic bibliography there are still many who believe that US standard will not do. Considering in turn the linguistic, bibliographic, human resource and cost issues involved, this article argues the benefits of an off-the-peg solution far outweigh any promised by those seeking to devise a new MARC format, be it for Arabic or any other language.
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