What is the best method to find an exact match for a title lacking a MARC record?

Utilizing the International Standard Book Number (ISBN) is indeed the best method to find an exact match for a title lacking a MARC record. The ISBN is a unique identifier for books, which means that each book published has a specific number assigned to it. This unique identifier allows for precise identification of the title, author, edition, and format, making it much easier to locate specific information about a book even in the absence of existing cataloging records such as MARC.

When a title lacks a MARC record, relying on the ISBN can significantly streamline the search process. The ISBN can be used in various databases, library systems, and online platforms to retrieve accurate bibliographic information, helping to locate all relevant details surrounding the book.

Searching extensively for the author's name could yield results, but it might not guarantee an exact match, especially if there are multiple works by that author. Contacting publishers directly could be time-consuming and not always fruitful, as not all publishers may have the information readily available. Utilizing library networking systems might help in locating a book, but without a unique identifier like the ISBN, it could still be challenging to find an exact match. Thus, the ISBN stands out as the most effective and efficient method for this purpose.