A UNIMARC bibliographic format database for ABCD

Abstract

Purpose

ABCD is a web‐based open and free software suite for library management derived from the UNESCO CDS/ISIS software technology. The first version was launched officially in December 2009 with a MARC 21 bibliographic format database. This paper aims to detail the building of the UNIMARC bibliographic format database for ABCD.

Design/methodology/approach

ABCD provides tools for building any MARC‐like or structured bibliographic format database; this feature is used to set up a UNIMARC bibliographic format database according to its structure as defined by IFLA. As a member of the ISIS family of software applications, ABCD provides a robust formatting language that allows the output of records according to the needs of the user.

Findings

ABCD provides a robust platform for building a UNIMARC bibliographic format database and many other facilities for editing records. But, it is not yet possible to have more than one active fixed length coded field in a worksheet.

Originality/value

CDS/ISIS users who have data in the UNIMARC format on old versions of CDS/ISIS software applications now have the opportunity to migrate their data into the new application without changing their structure. Aslo, a second international MARC format is provided to new CDS/ISIS users.

Citation

Mêgnigbêto, E. (2012), "A UNIMARC bibliographic format database for ABCD", Program: electronic library and information systems, Vol. 46 No. 4, pp. 458-467. https://doi.org/10.1108/00330331211276503