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Definition of Cataloging Levels


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Definition of Cataloging Levels


1. Monographs

These definitions of cataloging levels apply to all monographs regardless of format, including print, audiovisuals, and computer files.

1.1 Full Level Cataloging of Monographs

Full level cataloging consists of an Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, 2nd edition, 2002 Revision (AACR2) level 2 monographic bibliographic record with all appropriate added entries. Full authority work is performed for all access points, including contribution of the headings to NACO (Name Authority Cooperative Program). All materials include subject access through the assignment of all appropriate MeSH® descriptors and a fully shelflisted NLM class number carried either as the NLM shelving number or as an alternative number provided for collection development purposes and for use by the biomedical library community.

1.2 Core Level Cataloging of Monographs

Core level cataloging consists of a monographic bibliographic record created according to the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, 2nd edition, 2002 Revision (AACR2) and containing the minimum set of data elements prescribed by the Program for Cooperative Cataloging BIBCO Core Record Standard, augmented as needed to match the LC core level requirements for books. Additionally NLM is supplying full subject access with appropriate MeSH descriptors. Essential access points on a core level record must be supported by national level authority records, so headings are contributed to NACO (Name Authority Cooperative Program) as needed. Records include a fully shelflisted NLM class number carried either as the NLM shelving number or as an alternative number provided for collection development purposes and for use by the biomedical library community.

1.3 Limited Level Cataloging of Monographs

Limited cataloging consists of an Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, 2nd edition, 2002 Revision (AACR2) level 1 monographic bibliographic record with, generally, two bibliographic access points. A third access point is added for a parallel title when one is present in the item. Full authority work is performed for all names used as access points, but authority records created for limited cataloging are not contributed to NACO (Name Authority Cooperative Program). A series access (added entry) is also provided as necessary as a third or fourth access point, and series authority records are created. All materials have subject access through the assignment of a limited number of MeSH descriptors and an alternate NLM class number which is not shelflisted. Items receiving limited cataloging, are shelved under a shelving number assigned by Selection and Aquisitions (S&A).

Exception: Reference and HMD materials Reference Section (RS) and History of Medicine (HMD) materials that receive limited cataloging are classified and shelflisted as for full level cataloging. No shelving number is assigned to these items by Selection and Aquisitions (S&A).

1.4 Collective Level Cataloging of Monographs

Collective cataloging consists of an overall monographic bibliographic record for a group of individual items which fit certain criteria in that: 1) all items are issued by one organization; and 2) a commonality (e.g, subject, publication type, numbering) among the items can be identified. Except as noted, for the overall created in collective cataloging, the bibliographic record provided is equivalent to a limited cataloging record, as described above. Access to the individual items is provided in the bibliographic record by listing each title in the contents note of the overall record.

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Definition of Cataloging Levels


2. Serials

These definitions of cataloging levels apply to all serials regardless of format, including print, audiovisuals, and computer files.

2.1 Conser Standard Level

CONSER standard level cataloging consists of a bibliographic record containing at least the mandatory set of data elements prescribed by the Program for Cooperative Cataloging CONSER Record Standard, plus any additional elements deemed necessary for identification and access of a particular title. Full authority work is performed for all access points, including contribution of the headings to NACO (Name Authority Cooperative Program). All materials have subject access through the assignment of all appropriate MeSH descriptors, and contain a fully shelflisted NLM (usually W1) class number. Records are maintained in the CONSER database on OCLC, as well as in NLM's local files.

2.2 Limited Level Cataloging of Serials

Limited cataloging consists of a bibliographic record containing at least the mandatory set of data elements prescribed by the Program for Cooperative Cataloging CONSER Record Standard. In general only one access point is provided in addition to title and series. Full authority work is performed for each name used as an access point, but authority records created for limited cataloging is not be contributed to NACO (Name Authority Cooperative Program). All materials have subject access through the assignment of a limited number of MeSH descriptors. Records include a fully shelflisted (usually W1) NLM class number.

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Last reviewed: 10 April 2008
Last updated: 10 April 2008
First published: 01 January 2001
Metadata| Permanence level: Permanent: Stable Content
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