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Created by
Laura E. Daniels, last updated by Jenn Colt on May 14, 2026
5 minute read
Scope: This document outlines procedures for cataloging, classifying, and preparing for physical processing all types of materials purchased as part of the game studies collection. This collection was established in 2023 and is managed by Reanna Esmail.
Contact: Laura Daniels / Pam Stansbury
Unit: CMS
Date last updated:
Date of next review: TBD
Elements common to all types of games
899 1_ $a gamestudies
655 _7 $a [Puzzles and games or NT]. $7 lcgft
Assign the most specific genre/form term(s) available; occasionally both broader and narrower terms may be appropriate.
Not all games will have subject terms. When subjects are appropriate, and for descriptive elements, generally accept decisions made by other catalogers. Don't agonize! But do pay attention to edition/version as sometimes multiple different versions are purchased intentionally.
As much as possible, make edits to records in OCLC. Some local editing may also be required in order to encourage consistency in how some aspects of games (such as platform for video games) are represented to our users.
Video game cataloging and processing
Bibliographic records
Video games should be cataloged in OCLC as Computer Files. There will usually be existing copy, though you may need to enhance or update the record.
One search strategy is title plus keyword for the game platform. You can also search by identifier (publisher number).
Pay attention to the following fields (highlighted in the sample record below):
007
028
250
300
336/337/338
538
655 _7 Video games. $2 lcgft
753 (System details access to computer files)
Not in the sample below, but to be added: 130. Many video games already have Work (i.e., title) authority records. For those that do not, we may choose to establish them.
Look out for 655 fields that include $2 lcgft but are not valid terms in that vocabulary. These are incorrect, misleading, and should be deleted.
Also pay close attention to: title and source of title.
Note that the $v in all subjects should be Video games. Some controlled headings are still displaying with $v Computer games (which is no longer valid). Controlling all headings will correct this issue.
In FOLIO (using quickMARC) add: 899 1_ $a gamestudies
Holdings records
Holdings type: monograph
Call number: Video games will be classed under LC call number GV1469.35 A-Z (for title of game). If a cutter the particular game is not already established, construct one based on title (use whatever is in the 245). As this is an unconventional use of this class number, do not add it to the record in OCLC.
Add Call number prefix: Willis Room
Location: Uris
Item Records
Material type: Computfile
Loan type: Circulating
Include only bibliographical significant inserts in piece count.
Physical processing
Write call number and brief title on the location flyer. Apply barcode to outside of case on the front and create item record. Include only bibliographical significant inserts in piece count. Physical Processing staff will ... (to be decided)
NOTE: For now, please place cataloged video games directly on Susie Cobb's desk. Do not put them on the Physical Processing trucks.
Board game cataloging and processing
Board games will be shelved in the Willis Room in Uris Library. The box can be barcoded and labeled.
Bibliographic records
Use "Visual materials" workform if creating original record in OCLC.
Type=r (Three-dimensional artifact or naturally occurring object)
TMat (type of visual material)=g (Game)
300 $a may be extensive (if a description of the parts is readily available), otherwise OK to use "1 board game"
300 $c use measurement of box, if there is one
336 $a three-dimensional form $b tdf $2 rdacontent
(may also include 336 for text if there is textual content)
338 object $b nr $2 rdacarrier
If on box, note number of players, game duration, recommended age in 500 note(s)
Classify in GV1312-1469
if the record has a subject-related classification in OCLC, the GV number can be assigned locally
the first cutter will be based on the name of the game, the 2nd on the main entry (which may also be the name of the game)
655 _7 $a Board games. $2 lcgft
899 1_ $a gamestudies (in FOLIO only)
Sample record: (FOLIO hrid 16860058 / OCLC #995039101)
Holdings records
Holdings type: Monograph
Location: Uris
Call number prefix: Willis Room
Call number: LC-style call number
Item Records
Material type: Object
Number of pieces: Do not count yourself. Include only if the pieces have been counted and included in the bib record.
Loan type: Non-circulating
Physical processing
Write call number and brief title on the location flyer. Apply barcode to outside of box and create item record. Physical Processing staff will ... (to be decided)
NOTE: For now, please place cataloged board games directly on Susie Cobb's desk. Do not put them on the Physical Processing trucks.
Role playing game cataloging and processing
Role playing game books are going to the stacks (e.g., Olin, Asia) as regular books.
Role playing games that consist of multiple pieces in a box will be non-circulating and housed in the Willis Room like board games.
Bibliographic records:
655 _7 $aRole-playing games. $2 lcgft
In FOLIO (using quickMARC) add: 899 1_ $a gamestudies
Holdings record:
Holdings type: Monograph
Location: Olin
Call number: LC-style call number
Loan type: Circulating
In FOLIO (using quickMARC) add: 899 1_ $a gamestudies
Resources
We might want to consider using some vocabularies from here: https://gamer.ischool.uw.edu/releases/ (particularly for gameplay genre and narrative genre)
OLAC Best Practices for Cataloging with the Original RDA Toolkit - Full MARC Examples (April 2023)