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BIBCO Home >> Classification
FAQ |
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Frequently Asked Questions about LC Classification numbers in BIBCO
records
- Is it true that I may supply classification other
than LC and still create a BIBCO record?
Yes, absolutely. Any number from a classification scheme
recognized within the MARC 21 formats may be used in a BIBCO record.
Back to Questions
- What indicators should I use in the 050 for my
BIBCO record?
Generally, the 050 of all BIBCO records (042=pcc) should
have the first indicator set to "blank" (MARC 21 = no information
provided) and the second indicator set to "4" (MARC 21 = Assigned
by agency other than LC). When/if a BIBCO record is used by LC
the indicators are changed to 00.
In OCLC when upgrading an LC-MLC bibliographic record to include
a classification number, the first indicator of the 050 should
be set to "1" (MARC 21 = not in LC/not shelved under that number
in LC).
In other cases setting the 1st indicator to "blank" prevents the
need to determine if LC holds the item and improves the efficacy
of supplying a classification number.
- When supplying LC classification numbers, are
both subfield $a and $b required in an 050 in a BIBCO record?
No. Only subfield $a is required. Subfield $b is defined
in the MARC 21 bibliographic format as an "item number" and
refers to the LC Subject Cataloging Manual : Shelflisting in
which LC defines the elements that go into a subfield $b of the
050 as: "A book number: an alpha-numeric device appended to a class
number to arrange material on the same subject in a specified order,
usually alphabetically by author."
The shelflisting manual also states this number (subfield $b)
is also called "author number" which may be why catalogers sometimes
get confused when discussing literary author numbers which are
contained in the subfield $a. For literary works the subfield $b
is generally based on the title of the item. cf.
question no. 11 of this FAQ.
Back to Questions
- If I only supply the subfield $a portion of a
classification number in an 050, what encoding level should be
used?
The BIBCO classification policy requirements are the
same for both full and core encoding levels. Encoding level is
not assigned based on the absence or presence of a classification
number but on whether all of the defined elements for the corresponding
encoding level are present.
Back to Questions
- When should an alternative classification number
be added in the 050 of a BIBCO record? Are BIBCO libraries required
to adhere to the LC practice of classifying bibliographies, etc.
in class Z rather than a number for the subject in the other LCC
classes? What about bound-withs, etc.?
LC recognizes that it is not practical for all libraries
to follow LC classification policies in all respects. LC classes
topical bibliographies in specific topical numbers in Class Z and
provides an alternative number for those same topics from other
classes. This is performed as a service of the national cataloging
agency.
BIBCO libraries may choose to classify a PCC designated bibliographic
record either in an established number for the topic in Z or
in a number for that topic in other LCC classes. In either
case BIBCO libraries are not expected to provide an alternative
number but may do so if they wish.
Other instances in which BIBCO libraries are not expected
to provide an alternative number (but may do so if they wish)
include: classifying under a collected number instead of individual
analytic numbers (see also Question 6), microfilms containing
multiple titles on a single reel, and bound withs classified
under the first title.
- What about collected set classification numbers
used on SARs? If LC classes together a multi-part set but a BIBCO
library decides to analyze each volume, should the collected set
number be supplied in the 050 of a PCC designated bibliographic
record?
No. The BIBCO policy on series analysis and classification
practice allows for BIBCO libraries to vary from the LC decision
with respect to both these procedures (Cf. DCM Z1, 64X section;
see also: Series FAQ). This means
that a BIBCO library may choose to follow LC practice or choose
to analyze and classify separately a BIBCO designated record.
When assigning an individual classification number, BIBCO libraries
are not expected also to supply the collected
set number in the bibliographic record but may do so if they wish.
Back to Questions
- Do I need to check LC's shelflist for every classification
number that we assign to a BIBCO record?
In most cases, rather than check against LC's online
shelflist, it is best to check the LC classification schedules
to assure that an assigned classification number is current. By
policy, LC does not routinely reclass obsolete call numbers if
the numbers were correct when originally assigned.
Note: for literary author numbers see question
no. 11 of this FAQ
Back to Questions
- If I add a LC classification number to a BIBCO
record and LC uses it as copy, will our number be accepted without
question?
Not necessarily. LC will generally use the assigned 050
number in a PCC coded record; however, if there is a conflict with
another "item/book number" (subfield $b) in the file or if the
class portion (subfield $a) of the 050 is assigned in error, LC
will change the number.
Back to Questions
- If an LC classification number does not exist,
may I make one up (based on my knowledge of the schedules, etc.)
and assign it to a BIBCO record (without submitting a classification
proposal)?
No, the BIBCO policy document
on classification states: "For BIBCO libraries using LC classification,
assign a class number that adheres to LC practice." LC practice
is to establish a non-existing number and print it in the LC
schedules to assure that the number is established to represent
the concept, etc. This includes topical Cutter numbers that are
printed in the schedules.
BIBCO catalogers may formulate a LC number based on their knowledge
of the schedules, etc., assign the number to their bibliographic
record, code the record 042=pcc, and then submit a classification
proposal with the caveat that number may be changed as it goes
through the classification editorial process.
To submit a classification proposal, follow the guidelines for
using the classification form on
the SACO home page.
The SACO Participants' Manual also
found on the SACO home page, provides many examples and offers
guidance in proposing classification numbers.
Back to Questions
- If LC changes the classification number
I proposed, do I have to correct it on the bibliographic record in
my utility and in my local database?
Yes, the number should be changed in the utility. Local policies
should be followed regarding BFM in local databases.
- What about cutter numbers for authors,* musicians,
and artists, can these be assigned to a BIBCO record without submitting
a classification proposal?
Yes, they may. Cutter numbers for authors, musicians,
and artists are generally not printed in the LC classification
schedules and need not be established. BIBCO catalogers may formulate
a number after checking the LC online
shelflist and assign it to a BIBCO record (042 = pcc) without
submitting a classification proposal.
Other examples of types of "unprinted Cutter numbers" include
personal, corporate and geographic names, names of languages (when
a topic is subarranged by language), and titles of individual works,
except for literary works from early periods up to 1500.
* In the case of literary author
numbers, a concerted effort is made by NACO participants
to assure that LC and others will use their assigned "author
number". This is accomplished by submitting a request to LC for
verification of the number. This action triggers two results:
- The number once verified is added by the NACO participant to
the 053 (2nd indicator 0) in the name authority record in order
for that number to be associated with that author for all who
use LC classification.
- The number is reserved in the LC shelflist assuring that LC
will use this same number.
To submit a request for verification of a literary author number,
NACO participants may follow the guidelines for
searching the LC online shelflist and use the 053
web form found on the NACO home page
Back to Questions
- What are the correct indicators to use in the
053? Why is the second indicator of an 053 sometimes coded "blank" instead
of "0."
The MARC 21 Format currently defines the first
indicator as "blank" (undefined) and defines two possible values
for the second indicator (0 and 4). The LC supplement to the MARC
21 Format instructs NACO participants to consult LC before
using field 053 or to add a literary author number found on a LC
bibliographic record. To indicate that the number is a verified
LCC, NACO participants are asked to code the second indicator "0".
Second indicator "blank" is an obsolete value and is not to be
used in newly created 053s. In authorities the second indicator
in 053 was not defined until 1995, and not implemented by LC and
the utilities until 1998-99. Second indicator value "blank" is
synonymous to value "0" (cf. MARC 21 format, 053, p. 3 footnote)
and will be found on older records.
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