Master record

Definition

The version of WorldCat bibliographic record or an LC Authority File records available to all OCLC catalogers. A master record does not include local data for any library. Catalogers can retrieve a record, edit it, and export it to their local system, even when the master record is locked by another user. Adding, replacing, setting or deleting holdings on master records or working with bibliographic institution records requires Full cataloging level or higher.

Uses

A bibliographic record in WorldCat is the master record. When you retrieve records, the system displays a temporary working copy of the master record. You can modify the copy for local use, but the master record does not retain these modifications. You can also upgrade the copy. In this case, the master record does retain these modifications. In either case, the system maintains an archival record of your modifications.

MASTER Records are dynamic

WorldCat records often change because:

  • Catalogers with full-level authorizations can change most master records
  • In batchload processing:
  • Data may be merged into existing records
  • WorldCat records may occasionally be overlaid by other records, such as full-level LC records, PCC records, and some other records.
Institution record(IR)

Definition

A bibliographic record attached to a WorldCat master record that contains additional cataloging data specific to the library that contributes the IR. Bibliographic institution records are the result of incorporating "cluster" records from the RLG Union Catalog into WorldCat during the integration of RLG (Research Libraries Group) into OCLC.

Bibliographic Record

Definition

Contains the cataloging information that describes the physical format and intellectual content of a single entity (a book, video, computer file, CD, etc.). Catalogers create records by encoding this information using tags, indicators, and subfield codes in a standard format called MARC 21 (MAchine-Readable Cataloging). Each record is divided into fields (author, title, subjects, etc.) Fields are subdivided into subfields (place of publication, publisher, etc.).

Local DATA in bIBLIOGRAPHIC record

Definition

Data in a record that is pertinent only to the institution cataloging the record. For example, local processing information and cataloger's notes are local data. Certain 9xx fields are reserved for local data. Local data is not preserved in the master record.

Holdings record

Definition

A record containing the location, status, and/or copies associated with a single bibliographic item of a specific publication held by a particular institution.

Separate Holdings Records: Field 852 (Location) is defined to contain information in as much detail as is needed to locate an item. It may include such information as a unique shelving designation, copy number, and the address for the current physical location of the item.

OCLC local holdings recordsare separate holdings records linked to a related OCLC bibliographic record. They report holdings information for a single copy of an item. A single 852 location field and any associated holdings fields are used.

lOCAL hOLDINGS reCORD (lhr)

Definition

OCLC local holdings records (LHRs) are separate holdings records attached to a related WorldCat bibliographic record that provide holdings details beyond your OCLC institution symbol.

The OCLC local holdings record structure is based on the MARC 21 Format for Holdings Data. It consists of three main components: the Leader, the Directory, and the Variable Fields.

scope of the OCLC Local Holdings Format

The Local Holdings Format is designed to carry holdings information for three types of bibliographic items that are identified by a code in Leader/06 (Type of record):

  • A single-part item which is complete in a single physical part, for example, a single map, a score, a one-volume book, a computer file (Leader/06, code x)
  • A multipart item which is complete, or intended to be complete, in a finite number of separate physical parts, for example, a set of maps, a musical score and parts, a ten-volume encyclopedia, a multimedia kit, a manuscript collection (Leader/06, code v)
  • A serial item which is issued in successive parts at regular or irregular intervals and is intended to be continued indefinitely, for example, a journal, a serial update service to a looseleaf publication (Leader/06, code y)

In contrast with data elements that are applicable to a universal bibliographic description of these types of items, holdings information may include:

  • copy-specific information for an item;
  • information that is peculiar to the holding organization;
  • information that is needed for local processing, maintenance, or preservation of the item;
  • version information

OCLC Record Type Quick Guide1