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Scope: Minimal-level cataloging (MLC) is an abbreviated form of cataloging that reflects gives limited bibliographic description, subject analysis and (in most cases) authority work. Materials eligible for MLC include low-need and/or low research value titles.
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Unit: Cataloging
Date last updated: 10/0122/20152017
Date of next review: October 20162018
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Inputting
Guidelines for LC Call Numbers
Guidelines for Access Points
Guidelines for Subject Access (FAST)
Guidelines for Added Entries
LTS Statistics Code for Minimal Level Records
Historical Background and Policy
Eligibility for MLC
Exclusions from MLC
Definitions
Interpreting the Minimal Level Standards
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Any record input by LTS should be described according to RDA. If the record is based on AACR2 copy input as MLC by LC, it is acceptable to leave the record as AACR2. Modify the in-process record in Voyager to bring it up to the LTS minimal level standard, as defined below.
Fixed Field Values
MARC21 Definition | Voyager label | LTS Minimal Level Requirement |
Encoding Level | Encoding level | Enter value "7” |
Descriptive cataloging form | Cataloging form | Should be value “i” (RDA) or "a" (AACR2) |
Cataloging source | Cataloging source | Should be value "d" (default). LC MLC should be left as “blank.” |
Place of publication | Place of publication | Mandatory |
Language | Language | Mandatory |
Type of Date Code | Publication status | Mandatory |
Date 1, Date 2 | Date 1, Date 2 | Mandatory (Date 2 mandatory if applicable) |
All other fixed field positions are optional at minimal level. Catalogers may fill in such fields as Contents or Literary Form at their discretion, as long as they do not agonize over the choice.
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- Focus on the data elements spelled out in this procedure as mandatory or mandatory if applicable.
- Accept what is present on DLC records to the extent possible. Do not delete or change DLC information unless it is clearly inaccurate or egregiously misleading.
- Do not agonize over data elements in a record. Make a quick decision in most cases.
MARC 21 Definition | Tag | LTS Minimal Level Requirement |
Library of Congress Control No. | 010 | Mandatory if applicable. Enter any DLC label mounted on the cover. |
ISBN | 020 | Enter |a if it appears on the item (|z if you know it can’t possibly be valid, for example if it’s not 10 or 13 digits long) |
System Control Number | 035 | Retain the OCLC control number if present. Do not include an OCLC control number for a different manifestation. Do not include an OCLC control number for a non-English record (that is, 040 |b must be blank or “eng”). |
Cataloging Source | 040 | Subfields |a, |b, |c mandatory; |e rda and |d if applicable |
LC Call No. | 050 | |
Authorized access point | 1xx | Mandatory if applicable (includes 100, 110, 111, 130) |
Preferred title | 240 | Enter a preferred title if known or readily inferred from the item; otherwise, omit. See Guidelines for Access Points, section 2, below |
Title area | 245 | Subfield |a is mandatory; |b and|c if applicable |
Varying form of title | 246 | Optional ; use judgment |
Edition area | 250 | Mandatory if applicable |
Imprint | 264: 1: (RDA); 260 (usually AACR2) | Mandatory if applicable; |a, |b and |c should be present |
Physical description | 300 | Subfields |a and |c are mandatory; all other subfields are optional |
Content, Media, Carrier | 336, 337, 338 | Mandatory on RDA records. Use macro #r1 for print monographs |
Series | 490:0 : | Transcribe series if present. Do not trace the series in an 830. Remove an 830 if one happens to be present on the in-process record. |
FAST subject access | 6xx | Mandatory if applicable; see Guidelines for Subject Access (FAST) |
Added entries | 7xx | All added entries are optional; see Guidelines for Added Entries |
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Guidelines for LC Call NumbersAnchor B B
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If you find an actual LC cutter for an individual literary author, artist, geographic area, or subject, use it. Otherwise construct a cutter using Library of Congress practice for cuttering, as described in the LC Shelflisting Manual, available on Cataloger's Desktop.
In crowded places in the schedules, as may happen especially with literary authors, it may be better to keep an author together and a Cutter-Sanborn cutter, rather than splitting an author between the Cutter-Sanborn cutter and the LC cutter. Use discretion.
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Guidelines for Access Points Anchor C C
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