FAQ on cataloging electronic resources for BIBCO

1. Can a OCLC BIBCO Library that only has National level enhance authorization for books designate bibliographic records of electronic resources as "pcc" (042=pcc)?

Yes, but only if MARC 21 Leader/06 (Type of Record (OCLC=Type)) contains a value of "a".

If Leader/06 in the bibliographic record of an electronic resource is coded with a value other than "a" the BIBCO library will need to have National Level Enhance authorization appropriate to that cataloging.

Note that this is irrespective of the code assigned in the MARC 21 Leader/07 (Bibliographic level (OCLC=BLvl)) although assigning values "b" or "s" in the 07 byte requires CONSER membership in order to assign the appropriate 042 designation.

Note also that BIBCO libraries cataloging in OCLC must use MARC 21control field 006 with the assigned value "m" when the MARC Leader/06 is set to any code other than "m".

Recap: An OCLC bibliographic record for an electronic resource containing Leader/06 coded "a" with, Leader/07 coded "m" and an 006 coded "m" (computer file) may be contributed to BIBCO by a library with the National Level Enhance authorization for books only.

2. Where can I find information/documentation on the cataloging (including MARC 21 coding) of electronic resources?

Complete information on coding Leader 06 for electronic resources is available in: "Guidelines for Coding Electronic Resources in Leader/06" written by LC's Network Development and MARC Standards Office.

OCLC has available a document titled: "Cataloging Electronic Resources: OCLC-MARC Coding Guidelines"

Both of these documents provide helpful information to determine when an electronic resource cataloging record is eligible to be designated "pcc" within the OCLC Enhance authorizations available to that institution.

Note: PCC catalogers must be aware that the governing cataloging rules for electronic resources come primarily from AACR2 Chapter 9 used in conjunction with the chapters covering the content of the resource and for serials, Chapter 12. It is important that any cataloger creating BIBCO records for electronic resources be well versed in the rules for their cataloging and aware of the changes to come. A helpful presentation on the changes to Chapter 9 published in Amendments 2001 to AACR2 developed by the OLAC/CAPC Chapter 9 Task Force is available at: http://elibrary.unm.edu/catdept/AACR2_Chap9/