December 13, 2007
OCLC Loading LC Records for Popular Music Sound Recordings
Beginning later this month, OCLC will begin loading additional records distributed by the Library of Congress for Encoding Level 3 popular music sound recordings. LC staff derive much of the data for these records from the All Media Guide, verifying titles and standard numbers. Contents notes are also verified to be accurate with what is on the label, but may not conform strictly to the rules.
The records generally lack added entries, subject headings and LC classification numbers. Also, the records frequently lack main and added entries for performers, although a 5XX field for performers is usually present.
Therefore, since searching in the name indexes will seldom retrieve these records, keyword searches for names will be more effective. Title searches will also often be a useful search strategy. The records will have Encoding Level (MARC leader 17) value 3 and a note that says Brief record.
OCLC processing will attempt to match these LC abbreviated-level records to records already input into WorldCat. If a match is found, some data from the LC record, such as LCCN, will be merged into the WorldCat record. The LC record will not replace the WorldCat record. Records that do not find a match will be added to WorldCat.
Because the records will have Encoding Level 3, OCLC member library cataloging staff with a full-level authorization number are able to modify and upgrade them, and OCLC encourages staff to do so. If the record is upgraded to a higher encoding level, be sure to delete the Brief record note. Should one of these records be upgraded to an Encoding Level K or I, a minimal-level upgrade credit will be received.
Please contact Linda Gonzalez (lgonzale@bcr.org) or Bethany Levrault (blevraul@bcr.org) with any questions.
