Character position definition and scope:

A one-character alphabetic code that indicates whether the 4XX/5XX tracing fields have been evaluated for their consistency with the rules used to formulate the 1XX heading in the record.  This information is used to identify heading/tracing inconsistencies when a major change in the rules used to formulate headings and references has not been fully implemented.

For example, in advance of implementing new rules, an organization may begin to add to its authority records a 4XX tracing reflecting the 1XX heading according to the new rules.  When the rules are implemented, the 1XX headings in the database may be converted to the new rule form by switching the pertinent 4XX field and the 1XX field.  The tracing fields in the record then must be evaluated for their consistency with the new 1XX heading.  008/29 is set to code b when the switch is made and then reset to code a after evaluation.

The fill character ( | ) is used when no attempt has been made to code this 008 position.

National Level Requirement for character position 008/29:  Mandatory; for codes below:  Mandatory if applicable.

Guidelines for applying content designators:

Code:

Description:

a

Tracings are consistent with the heading

b

Tracings are not necessarily consistent with the heading

n

Not applicable

|

No attempt to code

Content designator history:

# - Undefined  [obsolete, 1987]:  Value # (blank) was used in records before the definition of character position 008/29 in 1987 as Reference evaluation.  Records created prior to that time may contain a # meaning undefined in this position.

LC Guidelines:

 008/29  Reference evaluation

For information on other 008 character positions, see:

008  Fixed-Length Data Elements

See also:

Variable Control Fields