Large Number of Records in MDS-Visual Materials

As previously announced, the Prints and Photographs Division of the Library of Congress is making their item-level cataloging records available for distribution via MDS-Visual Materials. These records are distinguishable by the value "k" in Leader byte 06; "k" in the 008 byte 33; the general material designation "graphic" in field 245$h; and a full repository name in field 852. Most of the records are minimal level and contain links to an electronic reference image.

The individual pictures represent a wide variety of subjects and genres, but historical American events, places, and people predominate. Topics range from presidential portraits and popular posters to engraved illustrations in Harper's Weekly and documentary photographs, including urban scenes such as the drugstore described in LCCN 2001701704. Among the international subjects are the early Crimean War photographs taken by Roger Fenton, including LCCN 2001698864.

Volume 31, issue 11 of MDS-Visual Materials contains a backfile of approximately 45,000 of these LC Prints and Photographs Division records.

Any questions regarding the scope and data content of these records can be directed to:

Helena Zinkham

Prints and Photographs Division/Library of Congress

email: hzin@loc.gov

phone: (202) 707-2922

December 2, 2002