The MARC 21 Format for Authority Data:  Including Guidelines for Content Designation defines the codes and conventions (tags, indicators, subfield codes, and coded values that identify the data elements in MARC authority records).  This document is intended for the use of personnel involved in the creation and maintenance of authority records, as well as those involved in the design and maintenance of systems for communication and processing of bibliographic records.

Note:  For information that is common to all five of the MARC formats, see:  MARC 21 Formats.

For information about the Authority Data Format, select:

General Information

Elements of a MARC Record

Scope of the Authority Format

Kinds of Authority Records

Types of Headings

Heading Usage in Authority Records

Heading Usage in Authority Structures

Series Treatment Information

Components of a MARC Record

Content Designators

Content Designator History

Obsolete Content Designators

Multiscript Records  (Alternate Graphics)

Field and Subfield Repeatability

Field Linking

Fill Character and Related Values

Display Constants

Record Content Responsibility  (Responsible Parties Rule)

Record Level Requirements (National-Level and Minimal-Level Requirements)

Organization of the MARC Format Documents

Organization of the Authority Format Document

Main parts

General Information sections

Components of the detailed descriptions

Typographical Conventions

Standards and Other Documents Related to This Format

National and International Standards

MARC Standards and Other Related Publications

Superseded Documentation

Documentation Maintenance

See also:

MARC 21 Format for Authority Data:  Contents