Skip to content
MyData Login/Create Account

MARC Metadata Records

Obtaining MARC from ICPSR

ICPSR metadata is available in MARC21 format in two packages:

These files cover all additions and changes through 2007-12-31.

Obtaining MARC from OCLC

OCLC also makes available of the MARC records for ICPSR in three separate collection sets based on the date when the records were submitted.

Please note that ICPSR does not control these records, and some were submitted long before ICPSR began the effort of creating it's own MARC.

MARC Creation

The MARC creation process is a bit complex.

First, ICPSR converts its DDI XML metadata records into MARC XML, using a custom-built stylesheet and oraxsl.

Then we use a series of scripts to prepare the data for OCLC. Library of Congress subject headings for the previously manually created studies by the University of Michigan University Library (UL) are extracted and appended to ICPSR metadata. In addition, we import OCLC IDs for those records that have previously been submitted to OCLC and have been updated by ICPSR.

Next, we use marc4j to convert the MARC XML into true MARC files.

We then submit the files to the University of Michigan library for quality control. The University Library submits the MARC records for new ICPSR studies for MARS authority control and OCLC. The records that we make available to consortium members are the complete and up-to-date revised version of the DDI metadata. These records do not contain OCLC record numbers, however, per our licensing agreement with OCLC.

Updates

ICPSR updates its metadata with the OCLC in the first quarter of every calendar year. It then updates the downloadable files on this page. When the updates are available, an announcement will be send over the OR-Announce email list. If you wish to be kept informed of updates, please join the OR-Announce list.

In terms of updating your catalog records, please use the 035 field as the matchpoint. 035 contains the ICPSR study number, which is always unique.

^ top of page