Record formats for integrated databases: a review and comparison: the effective use of integrated databases calls for exchange formats able to handle both bibliographic and factual data; but the choice is limited

An information retrieval system contains many different kinds of data, the significant ones being bibliographic and factual data. An integrated database system capable of holding both bibliographic and factual information, in a single database structure, is more convenient for search and retrieval by end-users. Several bibliographic formats have been developed and are used for bibliographic control purposes. Features of six major bibliographic formats, viz. USMARC, UKMARC, UNIMARC, CCF, MIBIS and ABNCD, are reviewed. Only two formats - CCF and ABNCD are capable of holding both bibliographic and factual information and supporting the design of integrated databases. A comparison suggests that, while CCF makes more detailed provision for bibliographic information, ABNCD makes better provision for factual information such as profiles of institutions, information systems, projects and human experts.