Network Bulletin No.: 04-26
Date: April 30, 2004
Subject: CMLS
Index term: Patron birth year entries
From birth year entries in the CMLS database, it appears that libraries use local
convention when the patron's birth year is unknown. Some libraries leave the birth
year blank; some libraries use impossible dates, such as 1850 or 1066. To be able to
compile accurate statistical information, NLS requests that libraries adopt a
consistent date entry when the birth year is not known.
If you cannot determine the birth year from your records or if the patron does not
give you the birth year, please use 1809, Louis Braille's birth year. Recently some
network libraries were asked to enter four zeros for a patron's birth year if the year
could not be determined or was not available. NLS has learned that four zeros will
not be accepted in some library systems, so the year 1809 was selected instead. The
birth year 1809 will be the default indicator to show that birth year information is not
available.
For further information contact:
Sylvia H. Dye
CMLS Coordinator
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