Succeeding to the IFLA UBCIM Core Activity, the IFLA UNIMARC Core Activity (UCA) was established in 2003 with the responsibility for the maintenance and development of the Universal MARC format (UNIMARC), originally created by IFLA to facilitate the international exchange of bibliographic data.

The purpose of UCA is to coordinate activities aimed at the development, maintenance and promotion of the UNIMARC format, now a set of four formats - Bibliographic, Authorities, Classification and Holdings - and related documentation, through the Permanent UNIMARC Committee (PUC). For a brief overview of the history, aims and general structure of UNIMARC see UNIMARC: an introduction. Understanding the UNIMARC format.

UCA liaises with IFLA Division IV - Bibliographic Control activities and with ICABS - IFLA/CNDL Alliance for Bibliographic Standards. Whenever relevant, the UCA also liaises with other international organizations such as ISO TC46, the ISBN, ISSN and other standard number international agencies, ICA/CDS - Committee on Descriptive Standards and the Consortium of European Research Libraries (CERL).

By agreement established with IFLA, the UCA has been hosted by the National Library of Portugal since 2003.

More about this core activity's objectives and activities