Hi,
The first two paragraphs here refer only to the "books core record standard."
But subsequent paragraphs appear to apply to catalog records for
materials in any format. I just want to confirm that this statement is indeed
general in application, regardless of format (i.e. that it applies to
music, visual materials, computer files, etc.). Please advise.
Thanks.
--ralph papakhian

Joan Schuitema said
>
> CLASS NUMBERS IN BIBCO RECORDS
>
> The Standing Committee on Standards has received a number of questions
> from BIBCO libraries about how to interpret the provisions of the PCC Core
> Bibliographic Standards for Books with respect to class numbers. The
> following guidelines are intended to clarify the provisions of both the
> core and full record standards with respect to class numbers.
>
> GENERAL PROVISION
>
> The books core record standard calls for assigning a class number from
> an established classification system supported in the USMARC format. The
> provision includes classification systems from any source (1) specifically
> identified in the format (e.g., fields 050, 060, 070, 080, 082, 084, 086)
> or (2) included in the code list for relators, sources, description
> conventions.1 Purely local call numbers, accession numbers, shelf numbers,
> etc. may be input in local call number fields.
>
> OBJECTIVE
>
> The purpose of including class numbers in PCC records is to provide
> classified access and to provide the basis for building a call number
> through one of the classification systems supported by USMARC. Any class
> number provided should aim to be in a form that is most useful to the
> widest number of potential users of that classification system.
>
> CLASS NUMBER
>
> Some classification systems distinguish between the general and the
> particular. Data that relate to the general make it possible to group
> items of similar intellectual content (class number). Data that relate to
> the particular make it possible to individualize items and subarrange them
> within a group (e.g., author Cutter, work Cutter, etc.). In applying such
> systems to PCC records, only a class number is required. PCC libraries
> always have the option of supplying a full call number, but it is not a
> Program requirement.
>
> What constitutes a class number is determined by the nature of the
> classification system and the agency authorized to develop and maintain it.
> For example, in the Library of Congress Classification system, class
> numbers sometimes also include topical Cutter numbers.
>
> REQUIREMENTS
>
> Individual core standards specify when a class number is required.
> These requirements apply also at the full level. Optionally, a class
> number or call number may be supplied in records for materials in which the
> standard does not require such a number. If a library does not classify
> materials for which a PCC standard requires a class number, the library may
> either supply one in particular cases or not label the record a PCC record.
>
> GENERAL APPLICATION
>
> To the extent practicable, supply a class number according to the
> current practice specified by the authoritative agency responsible for the
> development and maintenance of the classification system. Apply this
> guideline also in those cases in which a call number is optionally
> supplied. If a library employs a variant practice in using a particular
> classification system, such forms can be recorded in a local field in
> addition to the standard form recorded in the field appropriate to the
> classification system.
>
> LIBRARY OF CONGRESS CLASSIFICATION
>
> For BIBCO libraries using LC classification, assign a class number
> that adheres to LC practice and that includes the data that represent the
> topic (what the work is about). Depending upon the particular situation in
> the schedule, include data that would be in the $a subfield if that work
> were given a complete call number (to the extent that they are available in
> the classification schedule). Such data may include topical Cutters, work
> Cutters, artist numbers, geographic Cutters. Input the number in field 050
> and use value "4" (Assigned by agency other than LC) in the second
> indicator position.
>
> If a BIBCO library employs variant practices in assigning non-standard
> topical Cutter numbers or literary author Cutter numbers, etc., the local
> number may be input in a local call number field in addition to the LC
> conformant number in 050.
>
> DEWEY DECIMAL CLASSIFICATION
>
> For BIBCO libraries using Dewey Decimal Classification, assign a class
> number using the current, full edition of the DDC appropriate to the
> specificity of the material in hand. Input the number in field 082 and use
> value "4" (Assigned by agency other than LC) in the second indicator position.
>
> If a BIBCO library employs a variant, local number or a number
> suggested as an option in the DDC, the local number may be input in a local
> call number field.
>
> NOTES:
>
> 1. USMARC Code List for Relators, Sources, Description Conventions.
> Joan Schuitema
>
> Music Technical Services Librarian
> Northwestern University Library
> 1935 Sheridan Rd.
> Evanston, IL 60208-2300
>
> EMAIL: [log in to unmask]
> PHONE: 847/491-3434
> FAX: 847/491-8306
>


--
A. Ralph Papakhian, Indiana University Music Library
Bloomington, IN 47405 812/855-2970 [log in to unmask]
co-owner: [log in to unmask]