Scope: Minimal-level cataloging (MLC) is an abbreviated form of cataloging that reflects limited bibliographic description, subject analysis and (in most cases) authority work. Materials eligible for MLC include low-need and/or low research value titles.
Contact: Sarah Ross
Unit: Cataloging
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Inputting
Guidelines for LC Call Numbers
Guidelines for Access Points
Guidelines for Subject Access (FAST)
Guidelines for Added Entries
LTS Statistics Code for Minimal Level Records
Historical Background and Policy
Eligibility for MLC
Exclusions from MLC
Definitions
Interpreting the Minimal Level Standards
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InputtingAnchor A A
Any record input by LTS should be described according to RDA. If the record is based on AACR2 copy input as MLC by LC, it is acceptable to leave the record as AACR2. Modify the in-process record in Voyager to bring it up to the LTS minimal level standard, as defined below.
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MARC 21 Definition | Tag | LTS Minimal Level Requirement |
Library of Congress Control No. | 010 | Mandatory if applicable. Enter any DLC label mounted on the cover. |
ISBN | 020 | Enter |a if it appears on the item (|z if you know it can’t possibly be valid, for example if it’s not 10 or 13 digits long) |
System Control Number | 035 | Retain the OCLC control number if present. Do not include an OCLC control number for a different manifestation. Do not include an OCLC control number for a non-English record (that is, 040 |b must be blank or “eng”). |
Cataloging Source | 040 | Subfields |a, |b, |c mandatory; |e rda and |d if applicable |
LC Call No. | 050 | |
Authorized access point | 1xx | Mandatory if applicable (includes 100, 110, 111, 130) |
Preferred title | 240 | Enter a preferred title if known or readily inferred from the item; otherwise, omit |
Title area | 245 | Subfield |a is mandatory; |b and|c if applicable |
Varying form of title | 246 | Optional ; use judgment |
Edition area | 250 | Mandatory if applicable |
Imprint | 264: 1: (RDA); 260 (usually AACR2) | Mandatory if applicable; |a, |b and |c should be present |
Physical description | 300 | Subfields |a and |c are mandatory; all other subfields are optional |
Content, Media, Carrier | 336, 337, 338 | Mandatory on RDA records. Use macro #r1 for print monographs |
Series | 490:0 : | Transcribe series if present. Do not trace the series in an 830. Remove an 830 if one happens to be present on the in-process record. |
FAST subject access | 6xx | Mandatory if applicable; see Guidelines for Subject Access (FAST) |
Added entries | 7xx | All added entries are optional; see Guidelines for Added Entries |
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Guidelines for LC Call NumbersAnchor B B
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If you find an actual LC cutter for an individual literary author, artist, geographic area, or subject, use it. Otherwise construct a cutter using Library of Congress practice for cuttering, as described in the LC Shelflisting Manual, available on Cataloger's Desktop.
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#Anchor C
Guidelines for Access Points C
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- If the work is a compilation with one creator, RDA requires a conventional collective such as “Works. |k Selections” or “Short stories. |k Selections.” NB: As of August 2013, CUL does not follow this rule See Chart #2.
- If the work is a compilation with more than one creator, you may need to devise a 130 if the title proper is in conflict with another title in the database.
- Supply these titles if the choice is easy and quick. You should check for an authority record for any name/title 100/240, but you do not need to create NARs in these situations.
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Guidelines for Subject Access (FAST) Anchor D D
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If your book would not require LCSH headings, for example if it is a work of literature by an individual author, FAST should not be applied. However, LTS is no longer relying on keywords for subject access: even if your book's title says exactly what the book is about, in English, you still need to apply FAST headings.
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Guidelines for Added EntriesAnchor E E
You may assign added entries (7xx fields) if failure to do so would seriously impair access to the item. If necessary, assign up to two 7xx fields to cover the primary relationships associated with an item (e.g. an editor's name, the corporate sponsor of a symposium) or to bring out title access information judged to be important.
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LTS Statistics Code for Minimal Level RecordsAnchor F F
Add a 948 field for statistics tracking. Use first indicator 1 for cataloging transaction and subfield b o for original cataloging. Minimal level cataloging statistics are defined by the o (original cataloging) from the 948 field and 7 from the encoding level field of the Leader.
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Historical Background and PolicyAnchor G G
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It is important to remember that in using MLC, catalogers should seek a sound balance between the need for timely access to the material and the probable research value of the item. Catalogers should consult with selectors generally about the kinds of materials that are high priorities in order to have a clear sense of when MLC might be appropriate for a given item or class of items.
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Eligibility for MLCAnchor H H
Low-need and/or low research value titles:
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In general, if an item has reached LTS with Library of Congress (DLC … |c DLC) minimal-level cataloging, LTS catalogers are free to follow LC’s judgment and leave the cataloging at that level.
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Exclusions from MLCAnchor I I
The following types of materials should always be excluded from MLC:
- All reference collection materials.
- Materials requested by individual users.
- Major publications (both primary and secondary sources).
- Substantial publications that may or may not be of topical interest.
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DefinitionsAnchor J J
The source of these definitions is the Library of Congress Cataloging Service Bulletin, no. 84 (Spring 1999), pp. 27-32. CSB 84 is also the source of the definition of research value provided in section III.
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Substantial publications are those likely to be used for research purposes by a specialist and that do not meet the definition of either a major publication or a substantial publication of topical interest.
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Interpreting the Minimal Level StandardsAnchor K K
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