Cataloger's Reference Shelf
Graphic Materials - Rules for Describing Original Items and Historical
Collections
0D. Levels of Description (General Rules)
The elements of description provided in this online help constitute a maximum set of information. There are three recommended levels of description. For its graphic collections, an institution may choose only the first level, the first and second, or all three levels, based on the purpose of the catalog or catalogs for which the record is constructed. Include this minimum set of elements for all material cataloged at the chosen level when the elements are applicable to what is being described and when, in the case of optional additions, the institution has chosen to include an optional element. Consult individual rules for the content of the elements to be included.
The first two levels are given in schematic illustrations with the prescribed punctuation, spacing, and capitalization (see also Sample Description 1).
0D1. First Level of Description
For the first level of description, include at least the elements set out in this schematic illustration:
Title proper / first statement of responsibility. -- date(s) of execution. -- statement of extent of item or collection. -- Note(s).
Title proper / first statement of responsibility. -- First publisher, etc., date of publication, etc. -- statement of extent of item. --Note(s).
0D2. Second Level of Description
For the second level of description, include at least the elements set out in this schematic illustration:
Title proper [ general material designation] = Parallel title : other title information / first statement of responsibility ; each subsequent statement of responsibility. -- date(s) of execution. -- statement of extent of item or collection : other physical details ; dimensions. -- (Title proper of series = Parallel title of series ; numbering within the series. Title of subseries ; numbering within subseries). -- Note(s).
Title proper [general material designation] = Parallel title : other title information / first statement of responsibility ; each subsequent statement of responsibility. -- First place of publication : First publisher, date of publication. -- statement of extent of item : other physical details ; dimensions. -- (Title proper of series = Parallel title of series ; numbering within the series. Title of subseries ; numbering within subseries). -- Note(s).
0D3. Third Level of Description
For the third level of description, include all elements set out in this online help that are applicable to the item or collection being cataloged.
See also: