Notes - Copy Being Described

Annotations:

Annotations made on an item before it was received by the Library are described in a note. The nature o the annotations as well as the medium and color are included when they can be determined. Examples:

If any of these elements cannot be determined, the note simply omits them. Example:

Annotations in the margins giving the source or other bibliographic information are generally assumed to have been made after the item was received and are, therefore, not cited.

Annotations on the recto and the verso of an item are usually described in the same note. However, the annotations can be described in separate notes when they are extensive or when one is treated as "copy specific" information.

Other unique alterations in the LC copy are treated in the same manner as annotations and are described as fully as possible. Example:

Notes containing information that is relevant to only the copy being described are normally treated and ordered as local notes (tag 590) unless the item is a manuscript or belongs to an LC special collection. Almost invariably, this category of note is introduced with a phrase identifying the owner of the copy begin described (e.g., LC copy ..., :LC has ..., etc.). Examples:

However, if the "copy specific" information is needed as justification for another part of the bibliographic description (e.g., added entry, subject tracing, or call number date of situation) the information is transcribed as a general note with the owner’s identity indicated (tag 500 subfield 5). These notes ate transcribed in the order appropriate to their content and not as "copy being described" notes (tag 590). Added entries based on "copy specific" information also must indicate the owner’s identity (tags 7xx subfield 5). Examples:

Imperfections:

Imperfections in the LC copy are always noted (34) if they are of sufficient significance to affect use. For antiquarian or rare materials, even minor imperfections may be noted. Examples:

When an imperfection or annotation note is formulated for a manuscript item, or for an item belonging to a special collection, the phrase LC copy is not used since the item is inherently unique. Additionally, such notes are treated a general note (tag 500) rather than a "copy specific" note (tag 500 subfield 5) or "copy being described" note (tag 590).