Signs and Symbols (1.0E. Language and script of the description )
The objective in treating signs and symbols not represented in the character set is to render or convey the intention without undue time and effort and with a minimum of interpolation, using one of the techniques described in this section. Note that a minimum of interpolation is wanted because those searching the machine catalog cannot very often be expected to "second-guess" the cataloger in this respect, i.e., users will normally formulate search keys that necessarily do not take interpolations into account. As judged appropriate, use notes to explain and added entries to provide additional access; the examples below are illustrative, not prescriptive.
1. If the symbol is judged not to be a integral or essential part of the title, do not intervene in the transcription. Instead, omit the symbol; explain its presence in a note if it is judged worth mentioning.
2. Use existing characters when this can be done without serious distortion or loss of intelligibility.
3. Use the double underscore convention (cf. the section Special Letters, Diacritical Marks, and Punctuation Marks .)
4. Substitute in the language of the context the word, phrase, etc., that is the obvious spoken/written equivalent (if unknown in the language of the context, use English); bracket the interpolated equivalent. If the element in the source is not preceded or followed by a space, in general precede or follow the bracketed interpolation by a space unless the preceding or following character in the source itself also a separator or unless the use of a space would create an unintended result for searching.
Exception 1: Do not transcribe characters that indicate birth (e.g., an asterisk) or death (e.g., a dagger) even if such characters are in the character set. Do not use a mark of omission; instead, explain the omission in a note.
Exception 2: Ignore symbols indicating trademark (registered or otherwise), patent, copyright, etc. These include a superscript or subscript "R" enclosed in a circle (â) (ignore although included in the character set), the superscript or subscript letters "TM" (ä), and a "c" enclosed within a circle (ã) (copyright symbol). Do not explain their presence in a note. (Ignore such symbols also when they appear with elements used in headings.)
If the spoken/written equivalent is not obvious or if there is doubt that it is obvious or if it is unknown, give an explanation or a description in the language of the context (if unknown in the language of the context, use English).
If a title consists solely of a sign or symbol, provide an equivalent in all cases, even if the particular symbol is itself in the character set.
See also:
1.0E. Language and script of the description
