Catalogers may apply the core-level standard to any rare materials described using DCRM(B), with one exception:  it is not to be applied to books printed before 1501 (incunabula).  DCRM(B) core-level records are especially appropriate when faithful and accurate descriptions are desirable, and the provision of subject and other access points is important, but abridged transcriptions and fewer notes are acceptable.

For rare books, the commitment, on the cataloger’s part, is to render bibliographic details of the book as accurately as possible insofar as they are presented by the specimen in hand; also, to ensure that they are scrupulously stated, according to the provisions of DCRM(B).  The strength of DCRM(B) is that it provides for "expanded coverage" of books deserving such treatment; conversely, it is possible to use those provisions for expansion as guidelines for trimming the description.  By omitting most notes and taking the options given in DCRM(B) for abbreviating descriptive areas, or by not taking the options to expand the same areas, an effective DCRM(B) core-level record can be created.

See also:

Appendix C:  Core-Level Records