The BIBCO Coordinator and CPSO have worked with representatives
of OCLC and RLG to formulate the following response to the request for
clarification from Steven Arakawa, Yale, regarding counting non-filing
characters.

When MARC 21 was issued in 1999 the method of counting non-filing characters was
clarified.  That clarification resulted in a change in
practice that the Library of Congress implemented on February 20,
2003 ( http://lcweb.loc.gov/catdir/cpso/nonfil.html ).
Since the method of counting non-filing characters is a MARC 21 convention,
presumably the aim of all PCC participants would be,
sooner or later, to follow that convention if they haven’t been since
1999.  When to make the adjustment needed to follow the convention
as currently stated in MARC 21 may be influenced by considerations related to
local systems or to the bibliographic utilities.  LC kept both OCLC and RLIN
apprised of its schedule and of the details of its implementation and both have
indicated that they are currently able to handle the old and new conventions.

In cataloging a PCC record today, follow the current MARC 21
convention for counting non-filing characters if that convention is supported by
the local system or bibliographic utility one is working in.
If that is not possible, follow the convention that is supported at the time
of input.  The ultimate goal will be eventually for all to follow the MARC 21
convention.

Ana Cristán
BIBCO Coordinator

Kay Guiles
CPSO



Steven Arakawa wrote:

> Could someone clarify whether the change in counting non-filing indicators
> is simply an announcement of a change in LC practice or is now required for
> pcc records? If it isn't required for pcc, is requirement for pcc under
> consideration?
>
> The page looks rather official.
>
> http://www.loc.gov/catdir/pcc/bibco/nonfile.html
>
> thanks,
> ----------------------------------------------------------
> Steven Arakawa
> Catalog Librarian for Training & Documentation
> Catalog Dept. Sterling Memorial Library. Yale University.
> P.O. Box 208240 New Haven, CT 06520-8240
> (203)432-8286 [log in to unmask]