Leader

Field Definition and Scope:

The Leader is the first field of a separate holdings record. It is fixed in length at 24 character positions (00-23). The Leader consists of data elements that contain numbers or coded values that define the parameters for the processing of the record in an automated system.

Character positions 20-23 comprise the Entry map for the Directory. They contain four one-character numbers that specify the structure of the entries in the Directory. More detailed information about the structure of the Leader is contained in USMARC Specifications for Record Structure, Character Sets, Tapes.

Guidelines for Applying Content Designators:

Leader/00-04 Logical record length

Leader/05 Record status

Leader/06 Type of record

Leader/07-09 Undefined character position

Leader/10 Indicator count

Leader/11 Subfield code count

Leader/12-16 Base address of data

Leader/17 Encoding level

Leader/18 Item information in record

Leader/19 Undefined character position

Leader/20-23 Entry map

Input Conventions/Leader:

System-Generated Elements:

In a separate holdings record, the following Leader elements are usually system generated:

Other Leader elements also may be system generated depending upon the capabilities of an individual system:

Capitalization:

Alphabetic codes are input in lowercase.

Related USMARC Field or Document:

Directory:

841 Holdings Coded Data Values

USMARC Specifications for Record Structure, Character Sets, Tapes

Content Designator History:

Leader/06 Type of record

In 1991, code v was added to distinguish multipart item holdings from serial item holdings. Prior to that change, both multipart and serial items were contained in code y.

In 1994, Leader/18 (Item information record) was defined. Prior to that change, this character position was undefined and contained a blank (#)

See also:

USMARC Holdings Formats: Contents