Character position definition and scope:

A one-character alphabetic code indicates the diameter of an open reel or disc, or the dimensions of a cassette, cartridge, or cylinder.  A fill character ( | ) is used when no attempt has been made to code this position.

Record requirements for National-level and Minimal-level records:  Optional.

Guidelines for applying content designators:

Codes:

Descriptions:

Open reels and discs: (The diameter is equal to one of the defined codes.)

 

a

3 inches

b

5 inches

c

7 inches

d

10 inches

e

12 inches

f

16 inches

g

4-3/4 in. or 12 cm.

 

 

Cassette:

 

j

3-7/8 x 2-1/2 in.  The height and width of the cassette.  This code is used for a standard compact cassette.

 

 

Cartridge:

 

o

5-1/4 x 3-7/8 in.  The height and width of the cartridge.  This code is used for a standard audio cartridge.

 

 

Cylinder:

 

s

2-3/4 x 4 in.  The dimensions of a cylinder are 2-3/4 in. (diameter) x 4 in. (length).

 

 

All other:

 

n

Not applicable  The codes do not apply because the sound recording is other than a reel, disc, cassette, cartridge, or cylinder.

u

Unknown

z

Other  Although the item is an open reel, disc, cassette, cartridge, or cylinder, none of the other defined codes is appropriate.

|

No attempt to code

Content designator history:

Character position 04 (Dimensions) was moved to position 06 when field 007 was restructured in 1981.

To return, select:

007:  Sound recording

007  Physical Description Fixed Field