Character position definition and scope:

A one-character alphabetic code specifies the form of material for the item in hand.

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

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

Guidelines for applying content designators:

Content designator history:

008/23  Form of item  [new, 2010]:  Prior to the definition of this element, the byte was undefined and contained a blank ( # ) or a fill character ( | ).

o - Online  [new, 2010]

q - Direct electronic  [new, 2010]

See also:

006 and 008:  Computer Files

006 and 008:  Cross Reference Tables by Type of Material

006/01-17:  Character Positions by Type of Material

006  Fixed-Length Data Elements - Additional Material Characteristics

008/00-39:  Character Positions by Type of Material

008  Fixed-Length Data Elements