Appendix E: DCRB Code for Records

Appendix E: DCRB Code for Records

General:

Under certain circumstances, USMARC field 040, subfield $e, is used to indicate, by means of a code, the descriptive cataloging rules followed in cataloging an item. This appendix offers guidance in using "dcrb," the code designating DCRB. Usually, the brief statement provided in bibliographic network documentation suffice, i.e., use this code when DCRB is used as the descriptive cataloging convention. Some cases, however, require further clarification, particularly when the material being cataloged is not an early printed book or when the record being created varies in some aspect from that of a full-level, standard AACR2/DCRB record commonly created by the Library of Congress.

It is important to understand the purpose of indicating the descriptive cataloging rules followed: to identify those records that exemplify descriptive cataloging conventions other than those called for in AACR2, AACR, ALA 1949, ALA 1941, or ALA 1908. The code then is primarily an aid to catalogers in recognizing those instances when specialized descriptive cataloging rules have been used. The fact that a record is coded "dcrb" should not be interpreted as necessarily indicating a "higher" level of cataloging; instead, it is merely an indication that the specialized rules developed to accommodate the needs of rare book cataloging have been used.

1. Minimal-level DCRB:

Apply the code "dcrb" to records for items cataloged according to the minimal-level guidelines found in Appendix D. The fact that such records exemplify the minimal-level version of DCRB is stated by the value assigned in the encoding level for minimal-level cataloging and the code "dcrb" in 040 subfield $e. Do not use "dcrb" for cataloging based on AACR2’s Level 1 or on any other minimal-level standard.

2. Microforms of early printed books:

Apply the code "dcrb" to records for microforms in which the descriptive portion of the record exemplifies DCRB (full level or minimal level). If, however, DCRB (full or minimal level) is not used in all aspects but instead in some "hybrid" fashion, do not use "dcrb."

3. Rare serials:

Apply the code "dcrb" to rare serials when they are cataloged according to the guidelines found in Appendix C.

4. Nonbook formats:

Do not apply the code "dcrb" to records for nonbook materials such as maps, music, and graphics even though they may have been cataloged according to an adapted, "DCRB-like "standard.

5. "Special collections cataloging":

In this context "special collections cataloging" means fuller use of notes, access points, and other elements that are not specifically called for in AACR2 or its predecessors, but that follow the spirit of DCRB without following its rules completely. Such cataloging is frequently done for `9th and 20th century materials housed in special collections. Do not apply the code "dcrb" to records for "special collections cataloging" unless the cataloging follows DCRB completely (full level or minimal level). In many cases, the way the extent of the item is recorded (DCRB rules 5B1-5D5 or AACR2 rules 2.5B-2.5D) will provide the clearest indication of whether DCRB has actually been used or whether the record represents "special collections cataloging."