[DCRM-L] subfields $3 and $5 to specify copies in MARC bib records

[Lapka, Francis]

As we prepare for life After-MARC, I think it would be handy to have a clear means to associate copy-specific data in a bib record with the copy to which it applies, for example for data in fields 655 and 7xx. I'm concerned that MARC doesn't currently provide an adequate means.

MARC gives us subfield $5 to record the institution to which a field applies. But as defined, this field cannot specify a copy. See: http://www.loc.gov/marc/holdings/echdcntf.html

MARC gives us subfield $3 to record "the part of the described materials to which the field applies." I have seen subfield $3 used to specify an individual copy - where there is more than one copy described in a bib record - but this seems an imperfect match to the scope of subfield $3. The flawed suitability of subfield $3 is made most clear in the wording used to define its scope within the 563 field, for bindings: "Portion of the binding that is described in the field."

This leaves me with little faith that subfield $3 can serve as a machine actionable means to match copy-specific data in a bib record with its related copy entity - for now, a Holdings record; someday, an Item entity - when subfield $3 may also be used to denote the portion of a manifestation to which data applies. I have doubts that it can effectively serve both functions.

Should we explore a new subfield? Are there any left? Or modify $5 to include institution and copy identifier?

Francis

Francis Lapka  *  Catalog Librarian
Department of Rare Books and Manuscripts
Yale Center for British Art
203.432.9672  *  francis.lapka at yale.edu<mailto:francis.lapka at yale.edu>

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