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Related Websites and Component Parts Cataloging Practice 

[NOTE: This document applies for UCSD and SCP cataloging]

Frequently during the cataloging process, catalogers will encounter the presence of 856 fields with URLs that represent parts of a text or do not represent equivalent electronic versions of the text but are bibliographically related to the text to some degree.  The URLs for “related websites” and "component parts" appear in the 856 field with indicators "42" and "43" or "44", respectively.

Website or database versions manifestations of a resource are not considered related websites or component parts and should be cataloged as integrating resources on their own record. 

 

Related websites (856 42)

Related websites or related resources (856 42) may comprise of content such as advertisements, associated bodies, catalogs, finding aids, publisher information, subscription information, etc.  

856 42 fields in Alma records:

856 42 fields in OCLC records are exported into Alma via UC's import profiles and should not be deleted.  

UCSD catalogers: With the exception of related links to finding aids and guides for SC&A resources, do not add 856 42 fields unless requested by a selector.  If a link for a related resource is requested by a selector, see OCLC instructions below. 

SCP catalogers: Do not add 856 42 links, even by selector request. 

856 42 fields in OCLC records:

Generally speaking, URLs are not revised or deleted once they are added to OCLC records due to OCLC's indexing needs and its electronic address checking software.  Catalogers are encouraged to correct URLs with obvious errors such as typos and delete institution-specific URLs, but all other URLs can remain in the record.  URLs that are invalid or no longer represent the resource are coded in $h (non-functioning URI) with an appropriate subfield $z note (see OCLC-MARC coding guidelines).  

856 4# $h https://www ... $z Electronic address (http://example.com) not available when searched on MM/DD/YYYY

Except in the following two situations, use cataloger's judgement to determine whether to add a 856 42 field to the master OCLC record.  If adding to the master OCLC record, the field will automatically export into Alma. 

  1. Records for electronic resources: If a universal URL is not available for the resource being described, catalogers may include a URL pointing to the publisher’s website (e.g., about the resource) with a $3 note to describe the content.  This ensures that there is at least one URL in the master record:

    856 42 $3 Publisher information $u http://alexanderstreet.com/products/academic-video-online-premium

  2. SC&A records for archival collections: Always add 856 42 links to finding aids, when available, to the OCLC master record.  Use a "$3 Finding aid" to define the contents of the link.  

If not adding a 856 42 field to the OCLC master record, add it to the local IZ record only, along with an identical corresponding 956 field.  If the local 856 42 field is wiped out due to any automatic process, it will still be documented in the 956 field in the bib record.

Add the 856 42/956 42 fields with a $3 note to describe the content, and $u with the native URL.


856 42 $$3 Reel list $$u http://asiapacific.anu.edu.au
956 42 $$3 Reel list $$u http://asiapacific.anu.edu.au $$9 LOCAL


Do not add a 973 title hook or electronic portfolio for related resources in Alma.

 

Component parts (856 43)

Component parts of the whole resource (856 43) may include online supplementary materials, selected articles, updating information, indexes, summaries/abstracts, table of contents, an individual volume of a multi-volume mono set, and born-digital single issues of serials.  

856 43 fields in Alma records:

856 43 fields in OCLC records are exported into Alma via UC's import profiles and should be deleted before export.  

UCSD catalogers: Add 856 43 fields, portfolios, and 973 title hooks for component parts such as individual serial issues, serial supplements, or individual volumes of a multi-volume mono set.  Do not provide access to this content on records for tangible formats in Alma.  To provide access to online supplements and born-digital serial issues for online serials in Alma, see: Online Serials Cataloging (Cataloging Remote Access Electronic Serials Using the Separate Record Approach)  

When there is uncertainty about whether a resource may be a component part of the whole or a related resource, treat it as a related resource (856 42).

SCP catalogers: Do not add 856 43 links, even by selector request.
 


856 43 fields in OCLC records:
Catalogers should include 856 43 fields in OCLC records when appplicable to the resource being described.   
If the only universal URL available for the resource being described is for a component part, catalogers should include the URL with a $3 note to describe the content.  This ensures that there is at least one URL in the master record.  If adding to the master OCLC record, the field will automatically export into Alma. 

Serials: Do not add issue level URLs for online serials unless that is the only option. 

Generally speaking, URLs are not revised or deleted once they are added to OCLC records due to OCLC's indexing needs and its electronic address checking software.  Catalogers are encouraged to correct URLs with obvious errors such as typos and delete institution-specific URLs, but all other URLs can remain in the record.  URLs that are invalid or no longer represent the resource are coded in $h (non-functioning URI) with an appropriate subfield $z note (see OCLC-MARC coding guidelines).  For BibPURL instructions, see: Basic PURL documentation and PURL FAQ and examples.

856 4# $h https://www ... $z Electronic address (http://example.com) not available when searched on MM/DD/YYYY

 

Revised: February 8, 2022

Reviewed and revised: August 30, 2023

Review in process: December 1, 2023