Fill Character and Related Values
Fill character ( | ):
A fill character (ASCII 7C hex) is represented by the vertical bar ( | ) in the Cataloger's Reference Shelf. The presence of a fill character in a record indicates that the format specifies a code to be used but the creator of the record has decided not to attempt to supply a code.
In bibliographic records, it may be used in fields 007
and 008 , and subfield $7 of the linking
entry fields (760-787 ).
In authority records, it may be used in field 008
and in control subfield $w of the 4XX
and 5XX tracing and 700-785
linking entry fields.
A fill character may not be used in any character position of the Leader or as a component of a tag , indicator position , or subfield code .
The use of the fill character in records contributed to a national database may also be dependent upon the national level requirements specified for each data element.
Related values:
Code u (Unknown or unspecified), when it is defined, indicates that
the creator of the record attempted to supply a code but was unable to
determine what the appropriate code should be.
Code n (Not applicable) is defined in many coded positions to indicate
that the characteristic defined by the position is not applicable to a
specific type of item (Bibliographic) or heading (Authority), or kind of
record.
See also:
To return:
A General Introduction to the MARC Format
