Fill Character and Related Values

Fill character ( | ):

A fill character (ASCII 7C hex) is represented by the vertical bar ( | ) in the Cataloger's Reference Shelf. The presence of a fill character in a record indicates that the format specifies a code to be used but the creator of the record has decided not to attempt to supply a code.

In authority records, it may be used in field 008 and in control subfield $w of the 4XX and 5XX tracing and 700-785 linking entry fields.

In bibliographic records, it may be used in fields 006, 007, and 008, and subfield $7 of field 533 (Reproduction Note) and the linking entry fields (760-787).

In classification records, it may be used in field 008 and in control subfield $w of the 453 and 553 fields (Invalid and Valid Number Tracing).

In community information records, it may be used in fields 007 and 008.

In holdings records, it may be used in MARC holdings reports in fields 007 and 008.

A fill character may not be used in any character position of the Leader or as a component of a tag, indicator position, or subfield code.

The use of the fill character in records contributed to a national database may also be dependent upon the national level requirements specified for each data element.

Related values:

Code u (Unknown or unspecified), when it is defined, indicates that the creator of the record attempted to supply a code but was unable to determine what the appropriate code should be.

Code n (Not applicable) is defined in many coded positions to indicate that the characteristic defined by the position is not applicable to a specific type of item (Bibliographic) or heading (Authority), type of number (Classification), the community information entity involved (Community Information),or kind of record.