From bibliographic records to Linked Data: reflections on the transition from MARC 21 to RDA and BIBFRAME
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Abstract
The transformation of representation in libraries is often described as a transition from MARC 21 to RDA and BIBFRAME. This formulation, however, brings together instruments that operate at different layers: MARC 21 is primarily an encoding and interchange format; RDA is a content standard and a set of data elements and relationships; and BIBFRAME is an RDF-based model and vocabulary. Based on a narrative literature review and a critical-conceptual synthesis, this article examines the historical development of these instruments, the shift from record-centered description to data centered on entities and relationships, and the practical conditions of migration. The analysis shows that RDA and BIBFRAME address important limitations of MARC by making entities, identifiers, and relationships more explicit and reusable. Nevertheless, the transition is neither linear nor complete. Legacy-data conversion requires interpretation and enrichment; RDA/LRM and BIBFRAME are only partially compatible. RDF may reproduce new data silos, and implementation depends on systems, governance, professional education, institutional cooperation, and sustainable identifiers. In Brazil, gradual and coordinated adoption is more feasible than the isolated replacement of formats.
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