Content Type (336)
A categorization reflecting the fundamental form of communication in which the content is expressed and the human sense through which it is intended to be perceived.
Content type is a required element and the terms used come from a controlled vocabulary which is given in RDA 6.9.1.3. Those most common or likely to be applicable in the case of print and electronic serials are: (1) text, (2) still image, (3) notated music, and (4) cartographic image.
Multiple content types may apply to the same serial. CONSER practice is to use an additional 336 fields with the applicable controlled vocabulary for other possible content types (e.g., illustrations, maps, music notations) broadly characteristic of the serial. Only $a (the term) and $2 (term source) are required. (Princeton practice is the use subfield $b in addition to $a and $2).
336 ## $a text $b txt $2 rdacontent
336 ## $a still images $b sti $2 rdacontent
Media Type (337)
The media type is the device required to use the resource. As with content type, RDA provides a controlled list of terms to use, as found in RDA 3.2.1.3. Of the terms given, “computer,” “microform,” and “unmediated” are likely the terms you will be using. The term “unmediated” is used for printed textual resources since no device is required to use such a resource.
While not a core RDA element, it is a CONSER core element per LC-PCC PS 3.2. Only $a (the term) and $2 (term source) are required. (CCM:11.6.2) (Princeton practice is the use subfield $b in addition to $a and $2).
337 ## $a unmediated $b n $2 rdamedia
337 ## $a computer $b c $2 rdamedia
337 ## $a microform $b h $2 rdamedia
Carrier Type (338)
The carrier type is an RDA core element with instructions given in RDA 3.3. The carrier type reflects the format of the storage medium and housing of the resource. RDA provides a controlled list of terms. Only $a (the term) and $2 (term source) are required. (Princeton practice is the use subfield $b in addition to $a and $2).
338 ## $a volumes $b nc $2 rdacarrier
338 ## $a online resource $b cr $2 rdacarrier
338 ## $a microfilm reel $b hd $2 rdacarrier