Display Constants

A display constant is a term, phrase, spacing, or punctuation convention that may be system generated in order to make a visual presentation of data in a record more meaningful to a user. Display constants are used only for variable data fields .

Suggested display constants and examples are provided in each MARC format. For example:

in the bibliographic format, certain field tags (e.g., field 770, Supplement/Special Issue Entry ), indicators (e.g., field 511 Indicator 1, Display constant controller), and subfield codes (e.g., the subject subdivision subfields $x, $y, and $z in subject access fields 6XX ), may be used to generate specific terms, phrases, and/or spacing or punctuation conventions for the display of a record.

in the authority format, certain field tags (e.g., the 4XX and 5XX tracing fields), subfield codes (e.g., the subject subdivision subfields $v, $x, $y, and $z in an extended subject heading), and coded values (e.g., tracings control subfield $w/0, Special relationship) may be used to generate specific display constants.

Examples of display constants are provided under the heading Input Conventions in the field descriptions.

The use of display constants is determined by each automation system or organization.

To return:

A General Introduction to the MARC Format