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SUL Cataloging Policy: Use of 050: 4: for LC Call Numbers

TO: Original & Variant Edition Catalogers
FR: Technical Services Cataloging Unit Heads
RE: Use of 050 _4
DATE: 11/7/95

Policy

Effective immediately all catalogers creating original cataloging (including variant edition catalogers) and copy assisted cataloging for which SUL catalogers supply the call number will enter LC call numbers twice, in the NOTIS copy holdings record, and in the bibliographic record in a 050 field (with 2nd indicator value "4").

Classification and cuttering practices that do not conform to LC practice (e.g., some special collection cuttering schemes) will be exempted from this requirement and will be entered only in the NOTIS copy holding record.

Rationale for Policy

The reason for this new requirement stems from a recent proposal from RLG to better enable determination of acceptable LC call numbers, particularly in view of the implementation of the Diogenes automated searching service--although libraries that do not plan to use this service also responded enthusiastically to the proposal since it will facilitate manual sorting of copy as well.

We are aware that this policy will entail some extra keying. However, we encourage catalogers to make use of the copy-and-paste capacity to minimize the added effort.

Application of Policy

A. Tagging

When entering locally devised LC call numbers in the 050, always use the 2nd indicator value "4"

For further instructions, refer to USMARC Bibliographic Format instructions for the 050 field.

B. Annotated RLG Guidelines for Use of 050 _4:

1. The use of the 050 with 2nd indicator 4 must be determined on a record by record basis. That is, 050 _4 should not be used as an unchanging default tag for library -supplied LC-style classification numbers for all items cataloged if the library varies even occasionally from strict intepretation of LC practice. If an individual call number does not meet the requirements of 2 & 3 below, it should not be included in 050 _4.

   [SUL NOTE: All LC call numbers assigned by SUL catalogers to new works should qualify except for those using special schemes or practices that are known to deviate from the LC schedules]

2. Classification numbers and subject cutter numbers should follow LC schedules and tables therein without variation. Cutter numbers for literary authors and their works are included in this requirement. The level of specificity of a classification number or subject cutter should be appropriate to the work in accordance with LC classification policies.

   [SUL NOTE: If a literary author number has not been established, you may formulate it to fit into the LC schedules and tables. Optionally, catalogers may submit a proposed classification to NACO (see p. 20 of NACO Participant's Manual). Level of specificity should conform to level of subject work,i.e., ILC subject work may merit broader classification. ]

3. Cutter numbers for the author of the work being classified need not follow the same cuttering scheme as LC.
4. Any variations beyond these would result in a call number that does *not* qualify to be included in the 050 _4. In case of doubt about the nature of your variations, do *not* use 050 _4.

   [SUL NOTE: Routinely include LC classification in the 050--Don't agonize about perfect classification]

Last modified: June 22, 2005