What is main entry?

The main entry in a bibliographic citation refers to the primary point of access for a particular work in a catalog or database. It typically includes the author's name, title of the work, and publication details, allowing users to locate the material easily. In library catalogs, the main entry is often formatted according to specific standards, such as the Anglo-American Cataloging Rules (AACR) or Resource Description and Access (RDA). It serves as a key reference for organizing and retrieving information efficiently.