Applicability:

1. This rule can be used

a. to formulate a heading for a textual work or a collection of such works when either the work does not have an author or title or the collection does not have a title and rules 1.1B7 and 25.3-25.4 do not help; or

b. to formulate a heading to represent the manuscript when the item being cataloged warrants such a heading as an added entry (cf. LCRI 21.30H) or as a subject entry (see below).

2. Whenever the rule is being applied, note carefully the hierarchy of choices, especially between the choice of the name of a manuscript and the choice of the repository designation for a manuscript. Generally speaking, the name of a manuscript is a designation containing a generic term such as "codex," "stone," or "tablet." Also, generally, accept those designations as the name of a manuscript that combine a location name (monastery, town, etc.) with a generic term ordinarily indicative of text (e.g., Lindisfarne Gospels). It is much better to use such a name in preference to the repository designation, which should be the very last choice.

Example

Also, the name of a manuscript should not be used as a repository designation.

Example

Physical Aspects:

When a publication is about one or more physical aspects of a manuscript, e.g., its illumination or the style of the hand in which it was written, the subject cataloger needs a heading separate from the one created for the written work contained in the manuscript. Furnish a heading based on the name of the manuscript (or its designation in a repository).

Repository Name:

When a heading for a manuscript or manuscript group contains the name of the repository, use the name of the repository that currently has possession of the manuscript (or the repository that last held the manuscript if it no longer exists). Use the current name of the repository in all cases. Make a reference from the repository given on the item being cataloged if it is not the repository used in the heading.

Example

For the form of the repository’s designation, use the form found on the first item received. For consistency, use this form in subsequently established headings. However, if later items show another form as the predominant one, change the existing headings.

Examples

See also:

25. Uniform Titles