The Library of Congress >> Especially for Librarians and Archivists >> Standards

HOME >> MARC Development >> Discussion Paper List

MARC DISCUSSION PAPER NO. 2025-DP14

DATE: May 22, 2025
REVISED:

NAME: Modernization of Field 041 and Field 008/35-37 in the MARC 21 Bibliographic Format

SOURCE: OCLC

SUMMARY: This paper presents two options for revising field 041 (Language Code) and 008/35-37 (Language) that remove the requirement to use fill characters in 008/35-37 when the first 041 field uses non-MARC language codes.

KEYWORDS: Field 041 (BD); Language Code (BD); Field 008/35-37 (BD); Language (BD)

RELATED:

STATUS/COMMENTS:
05/22/25 – Made available to the MARC community for discussion.

06/26/25 – Results of MARC Advisory Committee discussion: Several MAC constituencies expressed support for the paper, although Australia was strongly against it based on their work improving access through 041 $a non-MARC coding for aboriginal languages. MAC generally preferred Option 2 over Option 1. There were supportive responses to the other questions posed in Section 6, with suggestions for further refinement of the paper. The authors clarified that they were not seeking to deprecate the practice of using the current fill characters but of providing the option to specify a collective code. They will further remove the Australian aboriginal examples. There are some questions that warrant further exploration, and that may require coverage in their own discusison paper, while others are clear at this point and may be eligible for future fast-tracking. The 008/35-37 and field 041 portion of the DP will return as a proposal. There may be some widely agreed upon aspects that can be potentially treated as Fast-Track proposals when they return.

Discussion Paper No. 2025-DP14: Modernization of Field 041 and Field 008/35-37

1. BACKGROUND

OCLC has noticed an increase in the use of field 041 to record language codes from sources other than the MARC Code List for Languages. This increase may be attributed to libraries wanting to provide more specific information than can be done with the MARC Code List for Languages, which contains 484 codes, 55 of which are used for groups of languages [1]. In comparison, ISO 639-3 contains over 7,900 codes.

The PCC BIBFRAME and MARC Bibliographic Encoding for Languages (BABEL) Task Group noted in its final report that the MARC format ties together the codes recorded in fields 041 and 008/35-37: "The one implementation issue that is unique to the MARC environment is the inability to use codes from non-MARC language schemes in the language fixed field (008/35-37). Non-MARC language codes can only be used in field 041. If only non-MARC language codes are used in a record, the MARC format says to use fill characters in field 008. Although most systems likely use a combination of language codes from fields 008 and 041, it is possible that there are systems that only make use of the language code in field 008" [2].

2. DISCUSSION

The 008/35-37 and 041 $a or $d values are currently tied together in MARC 21. While it is understandable that the codes in 008/35-37 and 041 $a or $d should not contradict each other, the rationale is not clear for requiring a MARC language code in field 041 to avoid the use of fill characters in 008/35-37.

There are several situations in MARC where the same type of information may be recorded in field 008 and a variable data field but there is no instruction about those values needing to match.

EXAMPLES:

008/06       s
008/07-10 1985
264            #1 … $c 1958.
500            ## Actual publication date is 1985. Title page has "1958."

008/06       s
008/07-10 2012
264            #1 … $c 5772
[Date appears in resource in Hebrew calendar]

008/23       d
340             ## $n giant print $2 rdafs  

In WorldCat.org, the language code from field 008/35-37 is displayed, as is the 546 field, but not any values from field 041. Fill characters do not provide information for users so a MARC language code would be much more helpful. The 008/35-37 value is an important point of comparison for record matching and duplicate detection, so a MARC code is much more useful than fill characters. Allowing a MARC code value in 008/35-37 when it would not match exactly the code meaning in the subfield $a or $d of field 041 would increase record consistency by reducing required use of fill characters. Other systems also display a code from field 008/35-37, but not field 041, so we assume a MARC language code is preferable to fill characters in those systems as well.

We believe the instructions about the use of the fill character in field 008/35-37 may deter catalogers from using non-MARC language codes in field 041 and force a duplication of data in fields 041 and 008/35-37 when a cataloger wants to use a non-MARC language in field 041 and does not want to use fill characters in field 008/35-37. Unfortunately, the MARC Code List for Languages lacks codes for specific sign languages, several dead languages, and many Indigenous languages. We believe that removing the instructions about recording the fill character in field 008/35-37 will make applying non-MARC language codes in field 041 easier for libraries, leading to better descriptions of resources in the languages not well covered by MARC's codes.

Despite current MARC instructions about using fill characters in 008/35-37, we have noticed many records in which there is one 041 field with subfields $a and $2, and the 008/35-37 value is a MARC language code rather than fill characters. For example, 008/35-37=bnt and 041 07 $a nvn $2 iso639-3. Thus, our proposed changes would reflect current cataloging practices while increasing record quality.

It was a struggle for us to suggest appropriate wording to explain the relationship between MARC codes in field 008/35-37 and non-MARC codes in field 041. The strings may not be identical (e.g., "eng" vs. "en"), and the values those codes represent may be a "fuzzy match." As the codes are from different sources, any suggestion of matching or hierarchical relationships (e.g., broader and narrower) would be incorrect. Our best idea was to use wording about the code values being comparable as "code value" refers to the code meaning and "comparable" suggests an agreement of meaning without complete overlap. Given the longstanding instructions about relationships between codes in fields 008/35-37 and 041, we thought a complete removal of instructions about 008/35-37 containing a MARC language code and 041 containing a non-MARC language code would be unwelcome, and the two options presented are our best but imperfect efforts in preserving some instruction.

We did not propose removing the fill character from 008/35-37 as we thought MAC would object because many existing MARC records may have this value, but we do not understand why a value for "no attempt to code" is needed when there is already a provision for "no information provided" (###), "undetermined" (und), and "no linguistic content" (zxx). Other than the current provision to use fill characters when a non-MARC language code is used in field 041, the only two reasons we could imagine using fill characters in 008/35-37 could also be accommodated by blanks: 1) the language is known but there is no appropriate MARC code or 2) the agency does not use 008/35-37. There is no other byte for 008 - All materials that has both "no attempt to code" and "no information provided." Most have a blank value defined differently and a fill character option that means "no attempt to code."

We noticed some inconsistencies in instructions that we believe were missed as field 041 has been updated. For example, field 008/35-37 says, "When only one language is associated with an item, the code for that language is recorded." This instruction does not account for the possibility of a resource having only incidental language content where 008/35-37 would be coded "zxx", but an 041 field would be used, e.g., a silent film with intertitles. This example is taken from OLAC Best Practices for Cataloging DVD-Video and Blu-ray Discs, Objects, Streaming Media, and Video Games Using the Original RDA Toolkit and MARC 21 [3]:

008/35-37 zxx
041 0\ $i ger
546 \\ $a Silent film with German intertitles.
Note: A streaming video that is silent with German intertitles

In the Field Definition and Scope of field 041, the first bullet list of reasons why field 041 is used does not reflect current cataloging practices and seems unnecessarily detailed for the Field Definition and Scope section of a MARC tag. That list implies that the use of field 041 is restricted to those situations when the subfields and examples for field 041 clearly indicate otherwise. An accurate and comprehensive list would lengthen what may be the longest Field Definition and Scope section in all of MARC 21—currently nine paragraphs and three bullet lists. Therefore, we propose deleting it rather than revising it as the subfield information also contains a plethora of use cases. We did not feel comfortable proposing the same change with the other two bullet lists that were format specific, but we wonder if they are still needed and if they should be modified? For example, if a motion picture or video recording has dialogue in multiple languages (different characters speaking different languages), that seems a good reason to use field 041.

We also noticed some issues that are not central to our discussion but may be worth addressing at some point. These issues are:

ISSUE 1: The use of the terms "separate title" and "separate titles" for field 041.
Subfield $a is called "$a - Language code of text/sound track or separate title." We think this is referring to a concept in projected still images based on the two examples underneath the paragraph that begins "For projected still images …" in Field Definition and Scope. Both examples mention "separate titles" in their explanations. However, it also seems to be used as equivalent to an intertitle in a silent film in the bullet under the "For audiovisual materials" paragraph that says, "The overprinted titles (subtitles) or separate titles for silent films are in different languages." However, we know that intertitles are recorded in subfield $i so we assume the concepts are different. It seems likely that catalogers are confused by the usage of the term "separate title" so perhaps it should be revised in the places mentioned.

ISSUE 2: Instruction about using field 546 for an individual sign language in description of "sgn" (008/35-37).
The description of the code "sgn" about how individual sign languages may be recorded gives a false impression about what is possible in MARC. The text suggests that field 546 must be used because there is no way to provide a code for an individual sign language in 008/35-37 or field 041. This is inaccurate as a non-MARC language code may be used in field 041. The second and third sentences could easily be revised to say that a particular sign language can be provided for with a language code from another source in field 041 or a 546 note. This is the current text and example:

sgn - Sign languages
Primary medium of communication is a sign language, e.g., a book containing pictures of the handshape of each letter of a particular sign system, or a videorecording that is signed. The particular sign language system is stated in field 546 (Language Note), e.g., American Sign Language. The codes for secondary and related languages may be indicated in field 041 (Language Code).

008/35-37   sgn
041             0# $a sgn $a eng
546             ## $a American Sign Language, with some text in English.

ISSUE 3: Instructions about "English alphabetical order" when there is no predominant language.
There is an instruction to record codes in "English alphabetical order" in subfield $a if the item is in multiple languages and there is no predominant language. This instruction is in both 008/35-37 and subfield $a of field 041. Curiously, it is not in subfield $d, which is the counterpart of subfield $a for sound recordings. In subfield $f, it says "Code(s) are recorded in English alphabetical order." We wonder if this is outdated given that MARC 21 is used internationally? Perhaps it could say "record the codes alphabetically" without mention of English? Or perhaps it could say nothing about order and leave that to agencies?

3. PROPOSED CHANGE OPTIONS

Two options have been identified in order to address the issue. The main difference between Option 1 and Option 2 is Option 2 provides more guidance about the relationship between codes in 008/35-37 and field 041 subfield $a or subfield $d. Below is a summary of specific changes for those options.

3.1. OPTION 1

For field 041 and 008/35-37, delete instructions about recording the fill character in 008/35-37 if a non-MARC language code is used in the first 041 $a or $d. For 008/35-37, revise instruction about which code to use if there is more than one language in the item so that the instruction accounts for both MARC and non-MARC codes being used in field 041.

3.1.1. Option 1: 041 Changes

In field 041 (Language Code) of the MARC Biblioraphic Format, make the following changes (additions underlined):

FIELD DEFINITION AND SCOPE

Codes for languages associated with an item when the language code in field 008/35-37 of the record is insufficient to convey full information. Includes records for multilingual items, items that involve translation, and items where the medium of communication is a sign language. Sources of the codes are: MARC Code List for Languages or other code lists such as ISO 639-1 (Codes for the representation of names of languages - Part 1 : alpha-2 code).

Languages may also be recorded in textual form in field 546 (Language Note).

Used in conjunction with 008/35-37 (Language). If there is a code in 008/35-37, it is recorded as the first code in subfields $a or $d (for sound recordings) of the first occurrence of field 041 in the bibliographic record. If 008/35-37 contains all blanks (No information provided) or the code "zxx" (No linguistic content) and field 041 is being used, e.g., to record the language code(s) of accompanying material, no subfield $a or $d is present. If only a non-MARC code is used to express the predominant language in an item, field 008/35-37 is coded with three fill characters (| | |).

Used when one or more of the following conditions exist:

• The item contains more than one language one of which may be a sign language
• The item is or includes a translation
• The language of the summaries, abstracts, or accompanying material differs from the language of the main item
• The language of a table of contents differs from the language of the main item

Field 041 may also be used to express the original language of the work.

…

■ INDICATORS

…

Second Indicator - Source of code

Source of the language code used in the field.

 

# - MARC language code

Code from: MARC Code List for Languages.

 

041 1#$a eng $h ger $h swe

7 - Source specified in subfield $2

Source of the language code is indicated by a code in subfield $2.

 

            008/35-37 |||

            041            07 $a en $a fr $a it $2 iso639-1

 

■ SUBFIELD CODES

$a - Language code of text/sound track or separate title

Language code in the first occurrence of subfield $a in the bibliographic record may also be recorded in field 008/35-37 (Language) if MARC language codes are used in field 041. is also recorded in 008/35-37 (Language) unless 008/35-37 contains blanks (###) or the code "zxx" (No linguistic content).

…

$d - Language code of sung or spoken text

Language code(s) for the audible portion of an item, usually the sung or spoken content of a sound recording or computer file. If there is no subfield $a, the language code in the first occurrence of subfield $d in the bibliographic record may also be recorded in field 008/35-37 if MARC language codes are used in field 041.

…

$2 - Source of code

Source of the language code scheme used in the field. Code from: Language Code and Term Source Codes.

 

041 07 $d N57 $d N60 $2 austlang

546 ##  $a Songs in Jawoyn and Dalabon.

 

If a non-MARC code is used to express the predominant language in an item, field 008/35-37 is coded with three fill characters (| | |).

If more than one code scheme is used in a record, repeat the field.

008/35-37 |||

041 07$aen$afr$ait$2iso639-1

 

008/35-37 eng

041           0# $a eng $a fre

041           07 $a en $a fr $2 iso639-1
[Two language code schemes are used and field 041 is repeated.]

 

041 0# $a sgn

041 07 $a ase $2 iso639-3

[A resource where American Sign Language is the primary mode of access.]

 

041 17 $a izh $a ekk $b rus $h izh $2 iso639-3

041 17 $a ingr1248 $a esto1258 $b russ1263 $h ingr1248 $2 glotto

546 ## $a In Ingrian, written in phonetic alphabet, with Estonian translation; summary in Russian.

3.1.2. Option 1: 008/35-37 Changes

In field 008/35-37 (All Materials/Language) of the MARC Bibliographic Format, make the following changes (additions underlined):

35-37 - Language

Three-character alphabetic code that indicates the language of the item. Code from: MARC Code List for Languages. Choice of a MARC code is based on the predominant language of the item.

 

For language material (i.e., books and continuing resources), the language code is based on the text of the item. The term text refers to the principle work(s) included within the publication, excluding the preface, introduction, foreword, appendices, etc. For 

computer files, the language associated with the data and/or the user interface (e.g., textual displays, audible output in a language) determines the code used in 008/35-37, not the programming language. (Accompanying documentation in a language other than that of the data and/or user interface is coded in field 041.) For maps, the language of names and text associated with the map or globe determines the code used. For music, the predominant language of the sung or spoken text associated with the score or sound recording is recorded in 008/35-37. For visual materials, coding depends on the type of material. For moving image materials, the language content is defined as the sound track, the accompanying sound, or sign language. For moving image materials with no sound or sign language content or, if with sound, no narration, use zxx (no linguistic content). For filmstrips and slides, code for the text on the film, the accompanying sound or the accompanying printed script (for works with no sound or, if with sound, no narration). For all other still images, including original or historical graphic material and opaque and non-opaque graphic material, and three-dimensional materials, the language content is that associated with the material, i.e., captions or other text associated with the item or collection that are part of the chief source of information. For mixed materials the language code is based on the predominant language of an item or materials in a collection.

 

When only one language is associated with an item, the code for that language is recorded unless codes zxx or und are being recorded, there is no attempt to code, or no information is provided.

 

008/35-37 spa

245            00 $a Rentabilidad bruta del inversionista en bolsa. $p Bonos del tesoro.

 

008/35-37 ara

041           07 $a arq $2 iso639-3

546           ## $a Dialogue in Algerian Arabic.

           

If more than one language code is applicable, the code value for the predominant language is recorded in 008/35-37, should be comparable to the first code value recorded in subfields $a or $d (for sound recordings) of the first occurrence of field 041. and the codes for all of the languages, including the predominant language, are recorded in one or more occurrences of field 041 (Language Code). The code recorded in 008/35-37 is always the same as the language code recorded in the first occurrence in the bibliographic record of subfields $a or $d (for sound recordings).

 

008/35-37       rus

041                  0# $a rus $a eng

546 500           ## $a Chiefly in Russian; with some contributions in English.

 

If there is no predominant language, the language codes are recorded in English alphabetical order in field 041 and the first one is recorded in 008/35-37.

 

008/35-37       eng

041                  0# $ a eng $a spa

546                  ## $aText in English and Spanish.

 

008/35-37 aus

041           07 $d N57 $d N60 $2 austlang

546           ##  $a Songs in Jawoyn and Dalabon.

[The collective code for Australian languages is used in 008/35-37.]

When formulating a bibliographic record for a translation, the code for the language of the translation, not the language of the original, is given in 008/35-37. (The code for the language of the original is recorded in subfield $h of field 041.)

 

…

 

||| - No attempt to code

Three fill characters (|||) may be used if no attempt is made to code the language or if only non-MARC language coding is preferred (and coded in field 041 (Language code)).

3.2. OPTION 2

For field 041 and 008/35-37, delete instructions about recording the fill character in 008/35-37 if a non-MARC language code is used in the first 041 $a or $d. Provide instructions in both places about the relationship between 008/35-37 and 041 codes that account for both MARC and non-MARC codes being used in field 041.

3.2.1. Option 2: 041 Changes

In field 041 (Language Code) of the MARC Bibliographic Format, make the following changes (additions underlined):

FIELD DEFINITION AND SCOPE

Codes for languages associated with an item when the language code in field 008/35-37 of the record is insufficient to convey full information. Includes records for multilingual items, items that involve translation, and items where the medium of communication is a sign language. Sources of the codes are: MARC Code List for Languages or other code lists such as ISO 639-1 (Codes for the representation of names of languages - Part 1 : alpha-2 code).

Languages may also be recorded in textual form in field 546 (Language Note).

Used in conjunction with 008/35-37 (Language). If there is a code in 008/35-37, it is recorded as the first code in subfields $a or $d (for sound recordings) of the first occurrence of field 041 in the bibliographic record. If 008/35-37 contains all blanks (No information provided) or the code "zxx" (No linguistic content) and field 041 is being used, e.g., to record the language code(s) of accompanying material, no subfield $a or $d is present. If only a non-MARC code is used to express the predominant language in an item, field 008/35-37 is coded with three fill characters (| | |).

 

The first code value recorded in subfield $a or $d (for sound recordings) of field 041 should be comparable to the value recorded in field 008/35-37. However, the MARC language code in field 008/35-37 may be less specific than the language code(s) in field 041 if only a collective language code is available in the MARC Code List for Languages and other language codes are used in field 041.

Used when one or more of the following conditions exist:

• The item contains more than one language one of which may be a sign language
• The item is or includes a translation
• The language of the summaries, abstracts, or accompanying material differs from the language of the main item
• The language of a table of contents differs from the language of the main item

Field 041 may also be used to express the original language of the work.

…

■ INDICATORS

…

Second Indicator - Source of code

Source of the language code used in the field.

 

# - MARC language code

Code from: MARC Code List for Languages.

 

041 1#$a eng $h ger $h swe

7 - Source specified in subfield $2

Source of the language code is indicated by a code in subfield $2.

 

            008/35-37 |||

            041           07 $a en $a fr $a it $2 iso639-1

 

■ SUBFIELD CODES

$a - Language code of text/sound track or separate title

Language code in the first occurrence of subfield $a in the bibliographic record may also be recorded in field 008/35-37 (Language) if MARC language codes are used in field 041. is also recorded in 008/35-37 (Language) unless 008/35-37 contains blanks (###) or the code "zxx" (No linguistic content).

…

If a non-MARC language code is used in the first occurrence of subfield $a in the bibliographic record, its value should be comparable to the value of the code recorded in field 008/35-37.

 

008/35-37 ara

041           07 $a arq $2 iso639-3

546           ## $a Dialogue in Algerian Arabic.

 

008/35-37 phi

041           07 $a taus1251 $b taga1270 $2 glotto

546           ## $a Chiefly in Tausug with abstract in Tagalog

[The collective code for Phillipine (Other) is used in 008/35-37]

 

$d - Language code of sung or spoken text

Language code(s) for the audible portion of an item, usually the sung or spoken content of a sound recording or computer file. If there is no subfield $a, the language code in the first occurrence of subfield $d in the bibliographic record may also be recorded in field 008/35-37 if MARC language codes are used in field 041.

 

Note: For materials where the audible portion of an item does not represent the primary content, the language code(s) for the textual portion of the primary content of the item is entered in subfield $a.

…

If a non-MARC language code is not used in the first occurrence of subfield $d in the bibliographic record, its value should be comparable to the value of the code recorded in field 008/35-37.

 

008/35-37 aus

041           07 $d N57 $d N60 $2 austlang

546           ##  $a Songs in Jawoyn and Dalabon

    [The collective code for Australian languages is used in 008/35-37.]

 

…

$2 - Source of code

Source of the language code scheme used in the field. Code from: Language Code and Term Source Codes.

 

041 07 $d N57 $d N60 $2 austlang

546 ##  $a Songs in Jawoyn and Dalabon.

 

If a non-MARC code is used to express the predominant language in an item, field 008/35-37 is coded with three fill characters (| | |).

If more than one code scheme is used in a record, repeat the field.

 

008/35-37 |||

041 07$aen$afr$ait$2iso639-1

 

008/35-37 eng

041           0# $a eng $a fre

041           07 $a en $a fr $2 iso639-1
[Two language code schemes are used and field 041 is repeated.]

 

041 0# $a sgn

041 07 $a ase $2 iso639-3

[A resource where American Sign Language is the primary mode of access.]

 

041 17 $a izh $a ekk $b rus $h izh $2 iso639-3

041 17 $a ingr1248 $a esto1258 $b russ1263 $h ingr1248 $2 glotto

546 ## $a In Ingrian, written in phonetic alphabet, with Estonian translation; summary in Russian.

3.2.2. Option 2: 008/35-37 Changes

In field 008/35-37 (All Materials/Language) of the MARC Bibliographic Format, make the following changes (additions underlined):

35-37 - Language

Three-character alphabetic code that indicates the language of the item. Code from: MARC Code List for Languages. Choice of a MARC code is based on the predominant language of the item.

 

For language material (i.e., books and continuing resources), the language code is based on the text of the item. The term text refers to the principle work(s) included within the publication, excluding the preface, introduction, foreword, appendices, etc. For

computer files, the language associated with the data and/or the user interface (e.g., textual displays, audible output in a language) determines the code used in 008/35-37, not the programming language. (Accompanying documentation in a language other than that of the data and/or user interface is coded in field 041.) For maps, the language of names and text associated with the map or globe determines the code used. For music, the predominant language of the sung or spoken text associated with the score or sound recording is recorded in 008/35-37. For visual materials, coding depends on the type of material. For moving image materials, the language content is defined as the sound track, the accompanying sound, or sign language. For moving image materials with no sound or sign language content or, if with sound, no narration, use zxx (no linguistic content). For filmstrips and slides, code for the text on the film, the accompanying sound or the accompanying printed script (for works with no sound or, if with sound, no narration). For all other still images, including original or historical graphic material and opaque and non-opaque graphic material, and three-dimensional materials, the language content is that associated with the material, i.e., captions or other text associated with the item or collection that are part of the chief source of information. For mixed materials the language code is based on the predominant language of an item or materials in a collection.

 

When only one language is associated with an item, the code for that language is recorded unless codes zxx or und are being recorded, there is no attempt to code, or no information is provided.

 

008/35-37 spa

245            00 $a Rentabilidad bruta del inversionista en bolsa. $p Bonos del tesoro.

 

If more than one language code is applicable, tThe code value for the predominant language is recorded in 008/35-37, should be comparable to the first code value recorded in subfields $a or $d (for sound recordings) of the first occurrence of field 041.and the codes for all of the languages, including the predominant language, are recorded in one or more occurrences of field 041 (Language Code). The code recorded in 008/35-37 is always the same as the language code recorded in the first occurrence in the bibliographic record of subfields $a or $d (for sound recordings).

 

008/35-37       rus

041                  0# $a rus $a eng

546 500           ## $a Chiefly in Russian; with some contributions in English.

 

If there is no predominant language, the language codes are recorded in English alphabetical order in field 041 and the first one is recorded in 008/35-37.

 

008/35-37       eng

041                  0# $ a eng $a spa

546                  ## $aText in English and Spanish.

 

If the first occurrence of field 041 does not contain MARC language codes, the value in field 008/35-37 corresponds to the first value recorded in $a or $d of the first field 041.

008/35-37 ara

041           07 $a arq $2 iso639-3

546            ## $a Dialogue in Algerian Arabic.

 

008/35-37 aus

041           07 $d N57 $d N60 $2 austlang

546           ## $a Songs in Jawoyn and Dalabon.

[The collective code for Australian languages is used in 008/35-37.]

When formulating a bibliographic record for a translation, the code for the language of the translation, not the language of the original, is given in 008/35-37. (The code for the language of the original is recorded in subfield $h of field 041.)

 

…

 

||| - No attempt to code

Three fill characters (|||) may be used if no attempt is made to code the language or if only non-MARC language coding is preferred (and coded in field 041 (Language code)).

5. BIBFRAME DISCUSSION

If necessary, the MARC-to-BIBFRAME and BIBFRAME-to-MARC programs can be modified to incorporate these changes.

6. QUESTIONS FOR DISCUSSION

6.1. Do you agree that the first code recorded in subfield $a or $d of the first 041 field does not need to be a MARC language code in order to have a language code in field 008/35-37?

6.2. Do you agree that the instruction in field 008/35-37 about coding for the language of the item when there is only one language should be revised because it does not reflect current cataloging practices for some formats which may have only a small amount of language content, e.g., music and silent films?

6.3. Is there a preference for Option 1 or Option 2?

6.4. Are there any potential consequences to this proposed change that have not been considered?

6.5. What does "separate title" mean in the name of subfield "$a - Language code of text/sound track or separate title" and in the example explanations? Should that wording be reviewed? How does this relate to the usage in the bullet list in Field Definition and Scope of field 041? (See ISSUE 1)

6.6. Should the term "separate titles" be changed in the bullet "The overprinted titles (subtitles) or separate titles for silent films are in different languages" in field 041, Field Definition and Scope? (See ISSUE 1)

6.7. Would MAC be open to considering revising the sgn code explanation in 008/35-37 (Language) since a non-MARC language code may provide a particular sign language in field 041? (See ISSUE 2)

6.8. Should the instruction about recording codes in "English alphabetical order" when no language is predominant be revised to remove mention of language? (See ISSUE 3)

6.9. Would MAC be amenable to a proposal that included revisions mentioned in ISSUE 2 and ISSUE 3 as well as the marked changes (Option 1 or Option 2) in this DP for fields 041 and 008/35-37?

APPENDIX: CITED REFERENCES

[1] "Introduction to MARC Language Codes," Library of Congress, accessed April 23, 2025, https://www.loc.gov/marc/languages/introduction.pdf, 5.

[2] PCC Task Group on BABEL. BABEL Final Report. 2020, Library of Congress, accessed April 23, 2025, https://www.loc.gov/aba/pcc/taskgroup/BABEL-Final-Report.docx, 13.

[3] Online Audiovisual Catalogers Inc., accessed April 23, 2025, https://cornerstone.lib.mnsu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1027&context=olac-publications, 269.

HOME >> MARC Development >> Discussion Paper List