Form for Arabic Numerals:

LC practice: Because the frequency of occurrence of numbers that impacts access is very low, clear searching guidelines reflecting the Library's Integrated Library System (ILS) treatment of Arabic numerals are judged more practical than extensive guidelines for providing alternative access.

In the ILS commas and periods are normalized as spaces. Thus 1,512 is treated as though it were 1 512; 1.512 is treated as 1 512, i.e., the same as it would be if the number were recorded with a space. Since searching guidelines will provide guidance related to the searching of numbers, in general, record Arabic numerals according to the style found on the resource being cataloged or in the usage of any entity, usually a corporate body, being used as a heading.

1. Decimals. Decimals may occur with a period or a comma as the decimal point, in which case record them as found on the source or as used by any entity that is being established.

3.14159

3,14159

2. Other numbers given in Arabic numerals. Numbers of one thousand or more may occur with a space, with a comma, or without either. Record them as found on the source or as used by any entity that is being established.

32 987

32,987

32987

Reminder: Do not use a comma in a year regardless of the number of digits it contains.

1066 and all that . . .

If recording a number in a portion of a record for which "found source" or "usage" may not be germane, e.g., in a note, use judgment and record the number in a manner that aims to achieve intelligibility. Do not use a comma in a year regardless of the number of digits it contains.

Do not update existing records to reflect the practice stated in this LCRI.

See also:

Appendix C: Numerals