TECHNICAL NOTICE (August 30, 2000 )

         Additions to the MARC Code List for Languages

         Network Development and MARC Standards Office
                      Library of Congress

The following code has been approved for use in the
international language code standard, ISO 639-2 (Codes for the
Representation of Names of Languages: alpha-2 code) and are
likewise being added to the MARC Code List for Languages.

 New code       Language name            Previously coded
 nds            Low German               gem (Germanic (Other))

In addition, two new codes have been approved for different forms
of Norwegian.  However, the Library of Congress does not intend
to use the two new codes for Norwegian languages, but will code
all Norwegian material as nor (Norwegian).  These new codes are
included in the MARC Code List for Languages only to remain
compatible with the ISO standard and for other institutions that
may wish to make these distinctions.

 Current code    Alternative code        Language name
 nor                                     Norwegian
 nno             nor (Norwegian)         Nynorsk
 nob             nor (Norwegian)         Bokmaal


LC Implementation Plans

Subscribers can anticipate receiving MARC records reflecting the
new code for Low German in all distribution services not earlier
than November 30, 2000.

Questions regarding the MARC language codes should be directed
to:

              Cataloging Policy and Support Office
                      Library of Congress
                   Washington, DC 20540-4305
                         (202) 707-4380
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                         August 30, 2000