There are many XML schemas available for modeling MARC data. Most take a literal approach, naming elements and attributes after their corresponding MARC fields, subfields, and indicators. Others represent only a small subset of the data libraries use to describe resources. XOBIS attempts to walk the middle path: describe the full set of library information, but reorganize this information into a structure that empowers the use of library data as just one more information resource available in the digital domain.

There are many XML schemas available for modeling MARC data. Most take a literal approach, naming elements and attributes after their corresponding MARC fields, subfields, and indicators. Others represent only a small subset of the data libraries use to describe resources. XOBIS attempts to walk the middle path: describe the full set of library information, but reorganize this information into a structure that empowers the use of library data as just one more information resource available in the digital domain.