Character position definition and scope:

A one-character alphabetic code that specifies the form of material in which the item was originally published.  In cases where the item is published simultaneously in more than one form, or when it is difficult to determine the originally published form, the first item received or entered in the database is considered the original physical form.

A fill character ( | ) is used when no attempt has been made to code this 008 position.

Record requirements for National-level and Minimal-level records:  Optional.

Guidelines for applying content designators:

Code:

Description:

#

None of the following  Original item is not specified by one of the other codes.

a

Microfilm

b

Microfiche

c

Microopaque

d

Large print

e

Newspaper format

f

Braille

o

Online

q

Direct electronic

s

Electronic

|

No attempt to code

Content designator history:

In 1977, code x (Other physical medium) was made obsolete.  [USMARC only]

Prior to 1977, other physical media were identified by code x; currently code # is used.

In 1987, codes g (Punched paper tape), h (Magnetic tape), i (Multimedia), and z (Other ) were made obsolete.

o - Online  [new, 2010]

q - Direct electronic  [new, 2010]

See also:

006 and 008:  Continuing Resources

006 and 008:  Cross Reference Tables by Type of Material

006/01-17:  Character Positions by Type of Material

006  Fixed-Length Data Elements - Additional Material Characteristics

008/00-39:  Character Positions by Type of Material

008  Fixed-Length Data Elements