Character position definition and scope:

A one-character alphabetic code that indicates whether the 1XX field contains an established heading that conforms to descriptive cataloging rules and, therefore, is appropriate for use as a 1XX main entry or 7XX added entry field in bibliographic records.  The fill character ( | ) is used when no attempt has been made to code this 008 position.

National Level Requirement for character position 008/14:  Mandatory; for codes below:  Mandatory if applicable.

Guidelines for applying content designators:

Code:

Description:

a

Appropriate

b

Not appropriate

|

No attempt to code

LC Guidelines:

 008/14  Heading use - main or added entry

Related MARC field or document:

008/10  Descriptive cataloging rules

MARC 21 Format for Bibliographic Data:

1XX  Main Entry Fields

7XX  Added Entry Fields

For information on other 008 character positions, see:

008  Fixed-Length Data Elements

See also:

Variable Control Fields