OCLC Type Code Editing Capability (Robert Bremer) ERCELAA@ctrvax.Vanderbilt.Edu 14 Aug 1998 21:26 UTC
Date: Fri, 14 Aug 1998 17:21:25 -0400 From: "Bremer,Robert" <bremerr@OCLC.ORG> Subject: OCLC Type Code Editing Capability Type Code Editing Capability The "Type of Record" code (USMARC Leader/06) is the one-character alphabetic code that helps differentiate most records for the various bibliographic formats. When a record has been entered into WorldCat, the OCLC Online Union Catalog, with an incorrect Type Code, searches qualified by format will not yield accurate results. Recent changes in USMARC due to format integration, reflecting the shift toward coding bibliographic record Type Codes for record content rather than physical carrier, have resulted in an increased need for libraries to edit Type Codes. Until now, the OCLC system has limited users' ability to change Type Codes within a given bibliographic format (for instance, i/j or g/k/r/o) only. All Type Code changes between bibliographic formats and all Type Code changes to WorldCat master records had to be reported to OCLC, where they would be done within 24 hours of receipt. Beginning immediately, OCLC Passport software users with any authorization level Limited and above, will be able to change the Type Code on all unlocked or locally edited bibliographic records to any other valid Type Code value. This will allow users to continue work on such records without serious disruption of workflow. OCLC encourages users to continue reporting Type Code changes as before (by phone, electronically, or on paper), so that master records in WorldCat can be corrected. A Type Code change is accomplished by overtyping the incorrect Type Code with the correct one, then pressing <F11>. The record will redisplay with the fixed-field mnemonics of the new Type of Record. Further editing of the redisplayed fixed field (and possibly other elements in the record) will be necessary before the record will pass validation. This enhancement will be included in OCLC CatME for Windows software version 1.10 and CJK software version 3.0. OCLC expects to release these new versions of workstation software in early 1999. CONSER Authorizations In addition to the capabilities outlined above, users with CONSER National and CONSER Regular cataloging authorizations can lock and replace master records to change the Type Code on records in which the "Bibliographic Level" (USMARC Leader/07) is coded b or s. To edit the Type Code, follow the same procedure on a locked record as outlined above for unlocked or locally edited bibliographic records. This capability should only be used to correct Type Codes on existing records to match current definitions for the Type Code values. For example, if a textual computer file serial has been cataloged on the computer files workform, the record can be locked, and the Type Code can be changed from m to a. Once other necessary edits are completed, a CONSER National or CONSER Regular user can replace the record. Type Codes should only be changed to reflect the item described in the body of the record. For example, do not change a Type Code to convert a record representing a hardcopy publication to represent the remote access version of that publication. Jay Weitz Consulting Database Specialist OCLC Online Computer Library Center MC 141 6565 Frantz Road Dublin, Ohio 43017-3395 Phone: 614-764-6156 Fax: 614-718-7195 E-mail: jay_weitz@oclc.org WWW: http://www.oclc.org/ http://innerart.com/performancespace/index.html