Character position definition and scope:

The Encoding level character position contains a one-character alphabetic code that indicates whether the authority record is complete or incomplete.  Alphabetic codes are input in lowercase.

A record, whether complete or incomplete, that is being considered for modification after its initial creation is identified by code b (Record is being updated) in field 008/31 (Record update in process).

National Level Requirement for Leader/17:  Mandatory.  For either code used in Leader/17, National Level Requirement is Mandatory if applicable.

Code:

Encoding level description:

n

Complete authority record  Indicates that the authority record is complete.  The record meets the national-level record requirements for content and content designation.

o

Incomplete authority record  Indicates that the authority record is incomplete because it does not yet contain all the information needed for a complete record.  The record may or may not meet the national-level record requirements.

Content designator history:

0 - Full level  [obsolete, 1997]  [CAN/MARC only]

1 - RECON record  [obsolete, 1997]  [CAN/MARC only]

3 - Incomplete record  [obsolete, 1997]  [CAN/MARC only]

LC Guidelines:

 Leader/17  Encoding level

For information on other Leader positions, select:

Leader

See also:

MARC 21 Format for Authority Data:  Contents