008/18-20 (006/01-03) Visual materials: Running time

Character position definition and scope:

A three-digit number that specifies the total running time (in minutes) of the motion picture or videorecording. The number is right justified and each unused position contains a zero. Running time is usually derived from information in field 300 (Physical Description). Three fill characters ( ||| ) are used when no attempt has been made to code these character positions.

Record requirements for National-level records: Mandatory; for Minimal-level records: Optional.

Guidelines for applying content designators:

Code:	Description:
000	Running time exceeds three characters
001-999	Running time
nnn	Not applicable
- - -	Running time unknown
\|\|\|	No attempt to code

Content designator history:

In 1984, 008/18-20 Length was redefined to limit its use to motion pictures and videorecordings. Code nnn (Not applicable) was defined at that time. Records created prior to that change may contain the number of slides, filmstrip frames, or transparencies in 008/18-20.