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]