DCRM(S) area 4

[Jane Gillis]

I am sending this again.  Don't know if everyone got it.

While everyone is thinking about Juliet's question on area 4, may I add another
concerning Roman numerals?

Bob pointed out that DCRM(S) differed from DCRB in the area of Roman numerals,
which are:

Roman numerals.  When roman numerals appear as Gregorian or Julian years,
change them to arabic numerals unless they are erroneous or misprinted.
                
, anno gratiae 1614
(On publication: Anno gratiae MDCXIV)

Transcribe years other than Gregorian or Julian as they appear.
                
, an VII 1798
(On publication: An VII, 1798)
        
Optionally, if it is considered important to retain in the catalog record the
exact expression of the date, transcribe the date as it appears in roman
numerals and add the date in arabic numerals in square brackets.
                
, MDCLVI [1656]

Fictitious or incorrect dates.  When the year of publication or printing is
known to be fictitious or is incorrect, transcribe it as it appears and add the
real or correct year in square brackets.  (If the full imprint is fictitious or
incorrect, apply 4A4.)
                
, DMLII [i.e. 1552]

Juliet and I have discussed these rules and have decided that we will follow
what DCRM will be doing in other formats, especially (G) and (B).  Before we
change what we have, the committee should consider whether any changes are to
be made to DCRM.  Specifically,

1. Why change Roman numerals to arabic, without brackets, only when the
numerals appear as Gregorian or Julian years?  

2. And only those Gregorian or Julian years that are not erroneous or
misprinted?

3. What is the reason for not transcribing Roman numerals as Roman numerals no
matter what they stand for in the imprint?

4. Is the date not a transcribed area?

The simplest solution would seem to be to transcribe what is there, bracketing
if needed the arabic numeral.   Optionally, if the Roman numerals are not
considered important, bracket their translation into arabic numerals.  The rule
concerning Roman numerals would be much simpler.

How do the rest of you feel?


Jane Gillis | Rare Book Cataloger|  Sterling Memorial Library
Yale University | New Haven CT  06520
(203)432-8383 (voice) | (203)432-7231 (fax) | jane.gillis@ yale.edu
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