MACS (Multilingual access to subjects): a virtual authority file across languages [English version presented at the International Conference] = MACS (Multilingual Access to Subject): un authority file virtuale multilingue [Versione italiana presentata alla Conferenza internazionale]

Shared authority files and co-operation in the development of national lists, both author and subject, have enabled libraries to share resources and improve access to their collections. Attempts are now being made to build on the significant work carried out in many countries to build and maintain subject headings languages and authority files. Whereas traditionally, bilingual/multilingual access was assured through multiple subject headings coded in the authority records, today many research initiatives seek to provide access through Internet based linking processes. Concepts such as language cross-linking, or interoperability in subject headings languages, which are common in today’s research in multilingual access were limited ten years ago to language specialists. MACS uses the stable authority control environment and this linking process to extend the use of subject heading languages on an international networked multilingual level