856 Electronic Location and Access (R) (Variable Data Fields)
Field Definition and Scope:
Field 856 contains the information required to locate an electronic item. The information identifies the electronic location containing the item or from which it is available. It also contains information to retrieve the item by the access method identified in the first indicator position. The information contained in this field is sufficient to allow for the electronic transfer of a file, subscription to an electronic journal, or logon to a library catalog. In some cases, only unique data elements are recorded which allow the user to access a locator table on a remote host containing the remaining information needed to access the item.
Field 856 is repeated when the location data elements vary (subfields $a, $b, $d) and when more than one access method may be used. It is also repeated whenever the electronic filename varies (subfield $f), except for the situation when a single intellectual item is divided into different parts for online storage or retrieval. (This field is identical to field 856 (Electronic Location and Access) defined in the USMARC Format for Bibliographic Data.)
Guidelines for Applying Content Designators:
Indicators:
First Indicator - Access method:
The first indicator position contains a value that defines how the rest of the data in the field will be used. If the resource is available by more than one method, the field is repeated with data appropriate to each method. The methods defined are the main TCP/IP protocols.
The value in the first indicator position determines which subfields are appropriate for use. For example, when first indicator value 1 (FTP) is used, subfields $d (Path), $f (Electronic name), $c (Compression information), and $s (File size) are appropriate, whereas they would not be with first indicator value 2 (Remote login (Telnet)).
0 Email
1 FTP
7 Method specified in subfield $2
Second Indicator - Undefined:
The second indicator position is undefined and contains a blank (#).
Subfield Codes:
$a Host name
$b IP address
$d Path
$g Electronic name - End of range
$i Instruction
$k Password
$l Logon/login
$m Contact for access assistance
$n Name of location of host in subfield $a
$p Port
$s File size
$z Public note
Input Conventions:
Embedded Holdings Information:
When holdings information is embedded in a USMARC bibliographic record, no additional 856 field is input. Multiple 856 fields may be used only when the information does not include other holdings information fields that must be linked to a specific 856 field for intelligibility. However, subfield $3 may be used to specify a subset of the item to which the 856 information is applicable.
Related USMARC fields or documents:
USMARC Code List for Organizations
USMARC Format for Bibliographic Data:
See also:
