MSCL Policy for Descriptive Cataloging Levels and Codes

Reviewed May 7, 2007 by Christine Megowan.

CATALOGING LEVELS:

Levels of cataloging define how completely, and with what degree of verification, catalog records are produced in Special Collections. LC's definition of Full and Minimal-level MARC encoding is documented here.

Brief records are used for initial thesis/dissertation inputs, and for non-MARC order records. They include author, title, imprint, and description. They do not include a call number, and have not had any authority work done. Brief or minimal level records (essentially, those without subject analysis) are created with the expectation that they will ultimately be upgraded.

Minimal level records are only created for special projects, such as the Allen copy-cat. project, where copy was found and only "former owner" notes and tracings were added. In these cases, accept OCLC copy as found, adding no notes or added entries unless these can be added easily. Verify name entries; ensure that call number files correctly in our shelflist.

Full level records are defined by OCLC as meeting the requirements of second-level description according to AACR2 1.0D2, and should be created for the majority of our cataloging. Enhance to I level, establishing main entry in accordance with AACR2 and adding notes and access points as appropriate; add or correct fields as needed. Verify all headings; ensure that call number files correctly in our shelflist.

Collection level: create MARC record (either I or K level), and produce linked analytical records when appropriate. Verify all headings; shelflist call number.

CATALOGING CODES:

Special Collections primarily uses AACR2 as its descriptive cataloging code. This code is accompanied by the Library of Congress Rule Interpretations. However, in some instances the library uses other codes (generally supplements to AACR2) which are more appropriate. Listed below are types of materials the library collects and organizes with the appropriate descriptive cataloging code to use.