USMARC Authority Records Field 008/17 Error
On January 20, 1999, CDS announced distribution of records
reflecting the implementation of updates to the USMARC
Authorities Format by the Library of Congress. It has been
discovered that field 008 position 17 (type of subject
subdivision) is still being distributed as a fill character
rather than with the new values.
Distribution of correct values will be delayed pending
coordination between CDS and other LC distribution offices.
For Name Authority records, a distribution date for the new value
(008/17=n (not applicable)) will be announced. Records
distributed before that date will still contain the fill
character. Records distributed after that date will contain the
new value.
For Subject Authority records, a distribution date for the new
values will be announced. Records distributed before that date
will still contain the fill character. Records distributed after
that date will contain the new values. Distribution of subject
subdivision records will be delayed until the new values are
available and any previously distributed subject subdivision
records will be redistributed.
March 16, 1999
(Earlier announcement follows)
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Implementation of Additions to MARC Authority Records
Distributed through the MARC Distribution Service (MDS)
As announced on March 17, 1998, the Library of Congress has made
changes to its automated authority files to support current
USMARC data elements. The data elements listed on the previous
announcement (available at
http://lcweb.loc.gov/marc/tn980317.html) may start appearing in
authority records issued through the Cataloging Distribution
Service beginning with 1999 Issue 4 of MDS Subjects and MDS
Names. Specifications for these data elements are published in
the USMARC Format for Authority Data.
Notable additions incorporated in this update are authority
records for subject subdivisions (18X) and form/genre subject
headings (155). Please see the earlier announcement for further
information.
Questions regarding this implementation should be directed to:
Library of Congress
Cataloging Policy and Support Office
Washington, DC 20540-4305
Telephone: (202) 707-4380
FAX: (202) 707-6629
Internet: [log in to unmask]
January 20, 1999
