Changes to existing standards may also lead to record modifications.  In general, catalogers do not systematically update records to reflect revised standards although "global updates" are sometimes performed by OCLC to update MARC tagging, etc.

21.6.1.  Changes to MARC 21

Changes in MARC 21 that lead to record modifications are handled in a variety of ways.  OCLC has performed automated database maintenance to remove or change field indicators, for example.  Some changes are made optionally by catalogers when they are modifying a record and notice obsolete tagging, etc.  Many MARC 21 changes are related to format integration.  The use of some fields became obsolete through format integration while the application of others was expanded; field indicators and subfields became more consistent across formats.  The following examples show different types of changes that may be made by catalogers as they become aware of the need.  These changes are considered optional.

212 ## $a American Library Association bulletin

Changed to:

246 2# $a American Library Association bulletin

500 ## $a System requirements: MS-DOS compatible system with CD-ROM drive.

Changed to:

538 ## $a System requirements: MS-DOS compatible system with CD-ROM drive.

Also refer to individual fields in the CONSER Editing Guide (CEG) for more specific instructions for MARC 21 changes.

21.6.2.  Changes in subject headings

Subject headings may be changed for the following reasons:  headings/subdivisions become obsolete, subdivision order is changed, new subject headings/subdivisions are established, etc.  As with other optional changes stemming from changes in standards, catalogers will modify the records as they become aware of the need.

651 #0 $a Mexico $x Industries $v Directories.

Changed to:

650 #0 $a Industries $z Mexico $v Directories.

21.6.3.  Changes in uniform titles

LCRI 25.5B has been significantly modified since the adoption of AACR2 and currently calls for the use of the issuing body as the uniform title  qualifier if the title proper is a “generic” title.  Earlier versions of the RI were more prescriptive and required greater use of corporate body qualifiers.  AACR2 21.3B1 calls for a new record when the body used as a uniform title qualifier changes.  If such a change occurs and current practice would not require the use of the body in the uniform title per LCRI 25.5B, generally use a different qualifier rather than create a new record.  The example below illustrates how the uniform title is changed to reflect the current RI and avoid a new entry.

130 0# $a Labor relations (Transportation-Communication Employees Union (U.S.))

[Name of union changes to Transportation Communications International Union]

Changed to:

130 0# $a Labor relations (New York, N.Y.)

550 ## $a Vols. for <1968-> issued by: Transportation-Communication Employees Union (U.S.); <1987-> by: Transportation Communications International Union.

If other changes occur to the information used as the uniform title qualifier, a new record is not required and it is generally not necessary to modify the 130 field.  (An exception involves a change in the place of publication and when cataloger is "backing-up" the record, see 21.10.)  The existing record may be modified elsewhere to reflect the new information.  (See CCM 9.5.2.)

See also:

Module 21.  Modifying Records