 |
 |
Michael et al, Since all the 6xx fields in MARC are "subjects," 651 is, I think, the most appropriate encodinganalog for something encoded in <geogname> as it is defined in the Tag Library. The MARC documentation indicates that subfield a of the 651 field is a geographic term, so any "subject" heading that begins with a geographic name that is further subdivided (as in Michael's example) is most appropriately a 651 field. On the other hand, a phrase heading (i.e., one without any hyphens/subfielding) that begins with a geographic name would appropriately have a 650 encodinganalog. In EAD, <subject> should be used for topical headings only. Kris At 03:12 PM 10/29/2002 -0500, you wrote: >Hello all, > >After reviewing the new edition of the RLG EAD guidelines, I've been >reconsidering a decision I made when planning how our <controlaccess> fields >should be encoded. The RLG guidelines, like many I looked at when coming up >with our template, recommend encoding 651 MARC fields as <geogname> elements >in the high-level <controlaccess>, but I feel that in most situations ><subject> is more appropriate. > >I may be splitting hairs, but I have reservations about encoding 651 fields >in <geogname>. As the tag library states, <geogname> encodes "the proper >noun designation for a place..." If the value of a 651 field was simply >"United States," I would encode it in <geogname>, but it is very rare that >our MARC records would have such a general 651 field. In the case of >"United States |x History |y Civil War, 1861-1865 |x Personal narrative." >isn't that more accurately called a subject? > >Does anyone consider it bad EAD form to encode 651 fields as ><subject encodinganalog="651">United States--History--Civil War, >1861-1865--Personal narratives.</subject>, rather than as ><geogname encodinganalog="651">United States--History--Civil War, >1861-1865--Personal narratives.</geogname> ? > >Thanks for the feedback, > >Mike >____________________________________ >Michael Rush - Manuscript Processor >Massachusetts Historical Society >[log in to unmask] - (617)646-0553 Kris Kiesling Chair, SAA EAD Working Group Coordinator, Technical and Digital Services and Head, Department of Manuscripts and Archives Harry Ransom Humanities Research Center University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX 78713-7219 Voice: (512) 232-4614 Fax: 512.471.7930 [log in to unmask]