Cataloger's Reference Shelf (CRS) is a context-sensitive digital library covering the MARC standards, code lists, manuals and reference works published by the Library of Congress. The CRS helps catalogers produce high-quality cataloging records according to the MARC data standards.

The updated CRS is included in the annual BiblioFile software update. There is also a web version of CRS.

The CRS includes the following resources and manuals: 

• A compilation of general information common to all MARC data formats

• Detailed information regarding MARC data formats - bibliographic, authority, classification, community information, holdings

• MARC code lists for countries, geographic areas, languages, relator terms, sources, and description conventions

• MARC specifications for record structure, character repertoires - including eight MARC-8 and UCS/Unicode code tables, and exchange media

• The Library of Congress Rule Interpretations.

• Manuals covering cataloging practices for moving images, looseleaf publications, serials, authority control, rare books, graphic materials, cartographic materials, classification, cuttering and shelflisting.

• General information on the MARC fields that have been revised or updated in order to be compliant with the RDA standards

• List of RDA resources and suggestions for further reading

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