Variable Control Fields

Definition and scope:

The 00X variable control fields contain control numbers and other kinds of control and coded information that are used in the processing of machine-readable bibliographic records (MARC records). Each control field is identified by a field tag in the Directory and contains either a single data element or a series of fixed-length data elements.

For fixed-length fields with various kinds of coded information, specific data elements are positionally defined. A more detailed explanation of positionally defined data elements can be found in the sections describing specific fields.

Variable control fields contain neither indicator positions nor subfield codes.

Field 009 is currently reserved for local use and is not described in this document.

The code NR or R below indicates whether a field can be repeated in a record.

For information on a specific variable control field, select a topic:

001 Control Number (NR)

003 Control Number Identifier (NR)

005 Date and Time of Latest Transaction (NR)

006 Fixed-Length Data Elements - Additional Material Characteristics (R)

007 Physical Description Fixed Field (R)

008 Fixed-Length Data Elements (NR)

Content designator history:

009 Physical Description Fixed-Field for Archival Collection (VM) [obsolete] Currently reserved for local use.

009 Cartographic Material - Physical Description Fixed Field (Detailed) (CM) [obsolete, 1997] [CAN/MARC only]