I just had occasion to modify an authority record for a personal name.  The
person's forenames in the established heading are represented by initials,
with no subfield $q; the heading has no subfield $d.  I found a variant
heading for the person, with forenames spelled out, and birth and death dates.

Because the existing heading does not conflict with (or even come remotely
close to) any other heading, I did not change the heading.  I added a 670
field citing the heading and usage that I found, and a 400 field with the
forenames spelled out.  The point I guess being that no one has to do any
database maintenance, and additional information is at hand should a
problem arise in the future.

Gary L. Strawn, Authorities Librarian, etc.
Northwestern University, 1970 Campus Drive, Evanston IL 60208-2300
e-mail: [log in to unmask]   voice: 847/491-2788   fax: 847/491-8306
Forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit.