Appendix D. Minimal-Level Records

The BIBCO Standard Record (BSR) and its rare books counterpart, adopted by the Program for Cooperative Cataloging in 2010, supersede the minimal-level record. See Appendix C.

D1. Introduction

The elements of description provided in DCRM(B) constitute a full set of information for describing rare materials. This appendix sets out a less than full level of description containing those elements recommended as a minimum for effective description of early printed books and other rare materials.

Libraries most often turn to minimal-level cataloging for rare materials in response to a need to create item-level records for large backlogs of uncataloged materials with the least amount of time and effort possible. These guidelines are provided in response to such needs. Their purpose is not to promote the use of DCRM(B) minimal-level cataloging, but rather to provide a usable standard for those institutions wishing to adopt it.

D2. Application

Catalogers may apply the minimal-level standard to any rare materials described using DCRM(B). DCRM(B) minimal-level records are especially appropriate when faithful and accurate descriptions are desirable, the provision of subject and other access points is not necessarily important, and abridged transcriptions and fewer notes are acceptable.

A minimal-level cataloging policy is best kept simple. Complex rules for omitting or shortening a variety of record elements would require catalogers to devote time to learning these new rules, thereby eliminating a portion of the intended gains in time and expense. In addition, tampering with the full description provided by DCRM(B) areas 0-6 and 8 would negate the very purpose of using DCRM(B) for description of rare materials. The conclusion then is that eliminating notes accomplishes much of the purpose of minimal-level cataloging because it saves considerable time while not unduly limiting access. Bibliographic records following this approach will, in most cases, still identify the books being described and distinguish them from similar editions or issues.

D3. Elements of the bibliographic record

D3.1. Follow the rules in DCRM(B) areas 0-6 and 8. Abridge the description wherever possible as allowed by the rules. It is not necessary to make the notes usually considered required.

D3.2. Optionally, add any additional elements in accordance with institutional policy. In particular, consider adding one or more of the following, each of which can significantly enhance the value of minimal-level DCRM(B) records for identifying rare materials:

<!--[if !supportLists]-->ê      <!--[endif]-->references to published descriptions in standard bibliographies (rule 7B14), particularly when the source cited provides more detailed information than the minimal-level bibliographic record

<!--[if !supportLists]-->ê      <!--[endif]-->the required notes called for in DCRM(B) (rules 2C2, 4A2.2, etc.)

<!--[if !supportLists]-->ê      <!--[endif]-->one or more local notes describing provenance, copy numbering, imperfections, binding, or any other information that will allow the bibliographic record to describe the particular copy in hand with sufficient precision to indicate the institution’s ownership of that particular copy

<!--[if !supportLists]-->ê      <!--[endif]-->optional notes based on reliable dealers’ descriptions accompanying the item being described

D3.3. Minimal-level cataloging policies often eliminate or simplify additional areas of the bibliographic record such as subject headings, classification, or other access points. This appendix does not address such questions, but users of DCRM(B) may also wish to streamline these areas according to local needs, taking into consideration the effect that such policies will have on special files for printers, binders, bindings, genre/forms, provenance, and the like.