Standards to use in MODS records

Content Standard:

AACR2 will be the main content standard used in MARC and MODS cataloging. There will be exceptions made and noted in our best practices for formats that are insufficiently covered in AACR2. Cataloging of images and art objects will be a notable exception to the adherence to AACR2. In the case of images for example, titles will be supplied without brackets for untitled images. Most of the deviations from our chosen content standard will be related to the the use of punctuation, and other stylistic conventions. ISBD rules will not be applied at the end of fields, we will rely on style sheets to provide most of the needed punctuation.

Our library cross trains, but we would like to focus most of our MODS records creation in the traditional MARC cataloging units. Because of this choice we feel that using AACR2 as our content standard will reduce our training cost and lead to more consistent records. This consistency in records will allow our MODS and MARC records to integrate seamlessly into our system and work flows. Additionally, since we serve an academic community all of our new records will be expected to provide the same level of access as traditional MARC cataloging.

Controlled Vocabulary:

Since there is a great deal of cross training in the Hope library, a number of options will be available for choice of controlled vocabulary terms. Our subject expertise situated across the units will be used to provide the most useful access points. Controlled vocabularies traditionally used in MARC cataloging will be our primary sources for controlled vocabulary. Specific situations will require the use of additional standards.

Names:
The Library of Congress Name Authority file will provide controlled headings for all names as a primary source. If a controlled version of the name is not found in the NAF, other sources should be consulted. In the case of artist's names the Getty's Union List of Artists' Names (ULAN) would be used.

Topical Terms:

Most topical term access will be provided using Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH). The Art and Architecture Thesaurus (AAT) may be used to provide access to images and art works. Subject Terms (TGM I) Will be used for visual resources.

Geographical Places:

Geographic terms will be taken from LCSH.

Genre headings:

The primary source will be the MARC Value List for Genre Terms maintained by the Network Development and MARC Standards Office-Library of Congress. The AAT may be used for art related descriptions. Genre and Physical Characteristic Terms (TGM II) Will be used for Visual resources.