Frequently Asked Questions when creating Name Authority Records (NARs) for NACO especially about LAC, NUC, & CIP

See also: FAQ on BFM, FAQ on 670s; FAQ on UTs; FAQ on Personal Names; FAQ on corporate names; FAQ on geographic names

1. When are headings based on CIP information that differ from the published item eligible for change?

   All headings in the NAF are eligible to be changed by NACO participants (within the parameters stated in DCM Z1). When a heading is found to be inaccurate regardless of the source of information, it may and should be changed (e.g., when a name or date is incorrect)

   Headings based on information provided by a CIP t.p. or galley have a higher frequency of change because the published item often has a different form of usage on the chief source. This is not the same as changing a heading just to add a date or fuller form of name. If the heading in question is for a corporate name see questions 3 and 4 below.

2. How do we obtain LAC verification for personal name Canadian headings?

   You may search OCLC to find headings formulated by LAC on LAC-issued bibliographic records and use these as authority in your 670
   

   • 670 $a OCLC search [date] $b (LAC hdg: ..... usage: ....)

   Alternatively, you may search the LAC authority file in the AMICUS database.

   Note that it is not necessary to search both these sources. If the personal name heading is not found in one of these sources NACO catalogers should create and contribute an NAR for the heading with a 675 citing the source checked. No further LAC verification is required (cf. DCM Z1, 1XX section).

3. What if two (or more) different headings for the same person or corporate body are found in LAC-issued bibliographic records?

   When variant forms of a personal name or corporate name are found on LAC-issued bibliographic records further searching is required. Search the LAC authority file in AMICUS. If the name is not found in AMICUS, apply AACR2 22.2-3 and/or LCRI 22.2-3 as with any personal name heading. It is not necessary to request further verification from LAC for personal names; however, for Canadian corporate names NACO catalogers may create an NAR and then notify LAC using the form found on the NACO web site at: http://www.loc.gov/catdir/pcc/naco/LAC-nacohdgform.html (cf. DCM Z1, 1XX section)

4. How do we obtain LAC verification for Canadian Corporate headings?

   If Canadian CIP information showing the LAC form of the heading is not available in the item, you may search OCLC to find headings formulated by LAC on LAC-issued bibliographic records and use these as authority in your 670

   • 670 $a OCLC [date] $b (LAC hdg: ....... usage: .......)

   Alternatively, you may search the LAC authority file in the AMICUS database.

   Note that it is not necessary to search all these sources. If the corporate name heading is not found in one of these source or if the corporate name varies from the form on the item being cataloged NACO catalogers should:

   1. Create an NAR for the heading.
   2. Notify LAC using the form found at: http://www.loc.gov/catdir/pcc/naco/LAC-nacohdgform.html

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5. How can we tell if a bibliographic record has been issued by LAC?

   LAC-issued bibliographic records contain the MARC organization code "CaOONL" or the OCLC code "NLC" in subfield $a and subfield $c of the 040 field.

6. Is it necessary to register with LAC to use AMICUS for searching?

   Yes, LAC requires that all users register before they are allowed to search the AMICUS database.

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7. Microform DCLM records are found in OCLC, should we take these records into account when establishing new headings?

   No. Do not base headings on usage found in these records. All microform records with the prefix nuc87- should be ignored for AACR2 coding purposes. These records are part of a joint project of Association of Research Libraries and LC, the National Register of Microform Master Reconversion Project (NRMMRECon Project).

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8. May headings found on web sites or in CIP cataloging of national libraries (e.g., Australia, Brazil) be used as the authorized form?

   It depends. Headings found on web sites or in CIP information from national libraries (other than NLC) may be used as long as the heading structure fits into the current policies and practices of AACR2, the LCRIs and the DCM Z1 procedures for NACO contribution.

   Many national libraries use AACR2, but may not apply the LCRIs or the DCM Z1 procedures in the formulation of their headings. It is important to examine the headings carefully before using these exactly as given. Information for fuller forms of names, dates, etc. may be used to formulate the heading in conjunction with the information on the chief source, etc. as per usual.

9. Is the National Union Catalog (NUC) considered authoritative in a case of conflicting dates?

   Records in the printed NUC are as authoritative as any other source. Other reference sources should be consulted when the information in NUC is in doubt. (cf. FAQ on BFM)

10. When a NACO cataloger finds an error on a NAR in the LC/NAF should the error be reported to the library that created it for correction?

    No. In the interest of timeliness and the spirit of cooperation it is expected that if a cataloger finds an error in an authority record s/he is responsible for fixing the error(s) and reporting BFM. If the error is complex and may require extensive research, etc., in order to resolve, the NACO liaison may contact the liaison at the library listed in the 040 $c or $d of the NAR.

    Note that a listing of NACO liaisons by institution is available on the PCC website.

11. Should NACO catalogers wait for LC to give the go ahead before implementing rule changes, etc.?

    Yes. The Cataloging and Policy Support Office (CPSO) at LC will post notices to its website with information on changes in documentation, practices, and policies that affect the NACO Program. Notices will also be disseminated via the PCCLIST informing NACO participants of when to implement changes, etc. LC's Cataloging Distribution Service and the Coop Team are responsible for mailing new or updated pages of the LCRIs, DCM Z1, etc. which are distributed at the same time.

    A parameter of the NACO program is that participants will adhere to the principles of AACR2, the LCRIs, and the DCM Z1 procedures when creating headings for contribution to the shared file. It is important to have all the documentation in synch so that an orderly implementation can take place. It is not acceptable to begin implementation of a rule change before the published text is available for all to use.

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