ENCODING LEVEL CODES, THEIR REQUIREMENTS & SIGNIFICANCE
We use only four different encoding level codes in original cataloging:
- (Blank): We use this for a full-level PCC record. (The “Source” code should be “c,” there should be an 042 field saying “pcc,” and the call number should be in an 050: 4: field.) We code a record this way only when we are sure it is accurate and complete and authority records exist for all access points requiring them.
- 4: We use this for a core-level PCC record. (Other codes are the same as for a full-level PCC record.) As Vanderbilt generally does its PCC work at full level, we rarely use this code. We might use it if some information not required by the BIBCO was left out of a record to save time.
- I: We use this code for most non-PCC work. It means “Full-level input by OCLC participants.”
- K: We might use this code for a record if we think it is not really full enough for I level. K means “Less-than-full input by OCLC participants.” Typically used when we catalog an item that presents difficulties and we are not sure we have entirely met the challenge.
Here are some notes on how to approach copy that comes to us with these codes or others.
- (Blank): This means a record was created by a national bibliographic agency (usually LC or the British Library) or a member of PCC, at full level. These records should be reliable, but don't stake your life on it. At times access points in such records have lacked authority records; sometimes the cataloging just isn't very good. LC records are generally better than PCC records, and PCC records are more reliable than UKM records, but all can disappoint.
- 4: As this indicates the record was done to core standard, rather than full, by definition there's something missing from what it would be if it were full. In practice this may not always be true; a library may code all its cataloging as core no matter how complete it is. But be wary—you may want to add a note about bibliographic references, or add a couple of subject headings. Take a look at the BIBCO core standard ( http://www.loc.gov/catdir/pcc/bibco/core2002.html ) to learn more about how it differs from full-level cataloging.
- I: Run-of-the-mill OCLC member cataloging; varies from perfect to abominable. The inputting library may be a signal to how trustworthy the record is.
- K: Run-of-the-mill OCLC member cataloging, but less full. Beware.
- 7: Minimal-level cataloging from LC/UKM/PCC libraries. Because it can't come from Podunk U. , the information that is in these records will often be pretty trustworthy, but they will probably need quite a bit of work. These records are guaranteed only to meet “National Level Bibliographic Record” specifications, which are pretty lax.
- 3: This record doesn't even meet minimal-level cataloging specifications! The mind boggles. We see this code used by Cornell, for example, for extremely sketchy records. While these records also come only from LC/UKM/PCC libaries, assume that you will need to upgrade this copy considerably.
- L and M: These codes are for records batch-loaded into OCLC from member libraries. Presumably, they are roughly equivalent to I and K, respectively.
- J: This means that the institution that created this record has deleted it from their own catalog. “The code is used only for special cases of batchloaded records for selected files, such as national libraries (LC, NLM, BL, etc.) and some files loaded as resources for cataloging (NetFirst, Puvill, etc.).” We see this most often on LC records—for example, it might be on an LC record for a monograph that was later recataloged as an issue of a serial. Usually it's best to avoid a “J'd-out” record, if only because the “J” indicates that the cataloging agency thought better of the way they made the record.
Without putting on our PCC hat, we can enhance any record (in books format) of level K, M, 2, 3, 5 or 7 up to I. We can also enhance a record of level 4 to I if it isn't a PCC record. In PCC, we can enhance a book record of just about any level to “blank” or 4. More information on this can be found in OCLC's Guidelines for National Level Enhance Participants:
( http://www.oclc.org/support/documentation/worldcat/records/enhanceguidelines/default.htm ).
More on encoding levels can be found in the appropriate section of OCLC's Bibliographic Formats and Standards:
http://www.oclc.org/bibformats/en/fixedfield/elvl.shtm
P. Wilson 4/6/2006