MARC Components and Content

⮚Fixed-Length Data Elements & Leader

For original microforms, code MARC fixed field elements for the microform, as instructed by the CEG. Two elements, 008/23 Form of item (“Form” on OCLC) and 008/22 Form of original item (“Orig” on OCLC) are also coded. Both elements are coded because the form of item (e.g., microfiche) is also the form of the original. (CCM:32.2.1g)

Field 007 carries coded data relating to the physical characteristics of the microform. CONSER Standard Record guidelines require only the first two elements: category of material (007/00 or $a: always “h” for microforms) and Specific material designation (007/01 or $b). Some institutions may desire to code all elements, depending on the needs of their users and staff. (CCM:32.2.1g)

007 ## $a h $b d $d b $e f $f u

⮚The preferred source

The preferred source of description is the Title frame (RDA 2.2.2.2). If there is no title frame, an eye-readable header, commonly found on microfiche, may be used as a substitute. If the title on the header is given in an abbreviated form, or, as is the case with most microfilms, if there is no eye-readable header, the container or accompanying material may be substituted as the preferred source.

⮚Title proper (245)

Always give the source of title at the end of the “Description based on:” note in 588, preceded by a semicolon: is derived from.

588 0# $a Jan./Feb. 2015; title from title frame.

588 0# $a January 2005; title from eye-readable header.

588 0# $a 1995; title from container.

⮚Publication Information

Sources for the micropublisher, distributor, and/or manufacturer are generally the microform title frame, container, the micropublisher's accompanying printed sales information, or the micropublisher’s web site. Sources from outside of the resource itself must be bracketed. If no information is available, input [Place of publication not identified] : $b [Publisher not identified] in the appropriate 264 field.

⮚Physical description (Extent, Content, Media & Carrier Type)

Following the extent, always provide the “content type” (RDA 6.9; field 336), “media type” (RDA 3.2; field 337), and “carrier type” (repeating the same term used in 300, this time in singular form) (RDA 3.3; field 338).

300 ## $a microfilm reels

300 ## $a 8 microfilm reels

300 ## $a 20 microfilm reels : $b color illustrations

300 ## $a 105 microfiches

300 ## $a 8 microfilm reels $c 35 mm

The content, media, and carrier types for microfilm and microfiche are as follows:

Microfilm:

336 ## $a text $b txt $2 rdacontent

337 ## $a microform $b h $2 rdamedia

338 ## $a microfilm reel $b hd $2 rdacarrier

Microfiche:

336 ## $a text $b txt $2 rdacontent

337 ## $a microform $b h $2 rdamedia

338 ## $a microfiche $b he $2 rdacarrier