007  Fields - General Information

007 fields contain coded information about physical characteristics.  Subfield codes are used in the OCLC Online Union Catalog but are not established by MARC 21.  The subfield $a code that represents the "category of the material," determines the meaning of the remaining character positions in the fields.

The 007 field is a core element for microforms and electronic resources and therefore is mandatory in CONSER records, as described.  It is optional for cartographic materials, sound recordings, and visual materials.  For national level records, all subfields are mandatory, with the exception of bytes 9-12 in sound recordings.

Field 007 is repeatable to allow for coding different formats covered by the same bibliographic record.  For example, a record which describes a videocassette available in U-matic, Beta, and VHS formats may have three separate 007 fields.  In this case, each 007 field has the same data elements but contains different values to describe the different video formats.  When cataloging a multi-format serial that involves different material categories (e.g., a map on microform), the field can be repeated to include different 007 fields for map and microform physical characteristics.  Individual subfields are not repeatable.

Material categories and related data elements

Electronic resources  (007/$a = c)

Map or Atlas  (007/$a = a)

Microform  (007/$a = h)

Nonprojected graphic  (007/$a = k)

Projected graphic  (007/$a = g)

Sound recording  (007/$a = s)

Videorecording  (007/$a = v)

NOTE:  Additional 007 fields are defined for globes, motion pictures, text, and unspecified materials but have not been included in the CEG because they are not generally applicable to serials.

Material definitions

Computer file.  Code "c" indicates that the item involves a medium intended to be used or processed by a computer.

Map or Atlas.  Code "a" is used for all cartographic materials except globes.

Microform.  Code "h" indicates that the item is a microform.  Microform is a generic term for any medium, transparent or opaque, bearing microimages.  A microimage is a unit (e.g., a page) of textual, graphic, or computer-generated material that is contained on aperture cards, microfiche, microfilm, microopaques, or other microformats and that is too small to be read without magnification.  Microforms may be reproductions of existing textual or graphic materials or they may be original publications.

Nonprojected graphic.  Code "k" indicates that the item is nonprojected graphic material.  This is defined generally, as a two-dimensional pictorial representation whether opaque (e.g., print, photoprint, drawing) or transparent, but not intended to be projected for viewing (e.g., a photographic negative).

Projected graphic.  Code "g" indicates that the item is projected graphic material which is defined as a two-dimensional representation intended to be projected without motion by means of an optical device, for example, a filmstrip, slide, or transparency (includes x-rays).

Sound recording.  Code "s" indicates that the item is a sound recording, defined as a disc, tape, film, cylinder, or wire on which sound vibrations have been registered so that the sound may be reproduced, or paper rolls on which the notes of a musical composition are represented by perforations in the paper and from which sound can be mechanically produced.

Videorecording.  Code "v" indicates that the item is a videorecording, defined as a recording on which visual images, usually in motion and accompanied by sound, have been registered.  It is designed for playback by means of a television set.

Related fields, etc.

007 Physical Description Fixed Fields  (MARC 21 Format for Bibliographic Data)

See also:

007  Physical Description Fixed Fields

Section E.  MARC 21 Format for Serials as Applied Within CONSER

CONSER Editing Guide:  Contents