5JSC/Editor/RDA/Part I/Chapter 13
Chapter 13
Technical Description
line 343> <line 344> <line 345>
Contents
13.0 Purpose and scope
13.1 General guidelines on technical description
13.1.1Sources of information
13.1.2Manifestations available in different formats
13.1.3Facsimiles and reproductions
13.1.4Resources comprising two or more media
13.2 Type and form of carrier
[To be added]
13.3 Extent
13.3.0Basic instructions on recording extent
13.3.1[To be added]
13.3.2[To be added]
13.3.3[To be added]
13.3.4[To be added]
13.3.5[To be added]
13.3.6[To be added]
13.3.7[To be added]
13.3.8Notes on extent
13.4 Dimensions
13.4.0Basic instructions on recording dimensions
13.4.1[To be added]
13.4.2[To be added]
13.4.3[To be added]
13.4.4[To be added]
13.4.5[To be added]
13.4.6[To be added]
13.4.7[To be added]
13.4.8Notes on dimensions
13.5 Other technical details
13.5.0Basic instructions on recording other technical details
13.5.1Special format characteristics
13.5.2Layout
13.5.3Production method
13.5.4Polarity
13.5.5Sound characteristics
13.5.6Illustrative matter
13.5.7Colour
13.5.8Medium
13.5.9Physical material
13.5.10Mounting
13.5.11Projection characteristics
13.5.12Other digital characteristics
13.5.13Notes on other technical details
13.6 Accompanying material
13.6.0Basic instructions on recording accompanying material
13.6.1Notes on accompanying material
13.7 Other formats
13.7.0Basic instructions on describing other formats
13.8 System requirements
13.8.0Basic instructions on describing system requirements
13.9 Mode of access
13.9.0Basic instructions on describing mode of access
13.0. Purpose and scope
The elements covered in this chapter are those that describe technical characteristics of the resource.
The elements convey information that users typically rely on when selecting a resource to meet their technical requirements (the physical characteristics of the carrier, the formatting and encoding of the information stored on the carrier, the mode of accessing the resource, etc.).
This chapter also includes elements that identify other formats in which the content or partial content of the resource is available.
For the technical description of a particular resource, not all of the elements covered in this chapter may be applicable.
13.1. General guidelines on technical description
Contents
13.1.1Sources of information
13.1.2Manifestations available in different formats
13.1.3Facsimiles and reproductions
13.1.4Resources comprising two or more media
13.1.5Remote access digital resources
13.1.1. Sources of information
Take information to be used for technical description from any source. Take explicitly or implicitly stated information from the resource itself. [1.5A2]C*
13.1.2. Manifestations available in different formats
If manifestations of a work are available in different formats (e.g., as printed text and microfilm; as sound disc and sound tape reel), record the elements of technical description as they apply to the manifestation being described. Optionally, make a note describing other formats available (see 13.7). [1.5A3] <line 353√>
13.1.3. Facsimiles and reproductions
When describing a facsimile or reproduction, record the elements of technical description as they apply to the facsimile or reproduction. Record the technical description of the original manifestation in a note (see 14.9.2). [1.11D] <line 354>
13.1.4. Resources comprising two or more media line815√>
When preparing a comprehensive description for a resource comprising two or more media, apply whichever of the following three methods is appropriate to the nature of the resource and the purpose of the description. [1.10C2] C* <line 341> <line 346> <line 347> <line 373> <line 487> <line 816> <line 817>
a)Record the extent of each part or group of parts
If no further technical description of each part is desired, record the extent of each part or group of parts belonging to each distinct type of medium. Optionally, if the parts are in a container, name the container and record its dimensions.
400 lesson cards, 40 answer key booklets, 1 student record, 1 teacher’s handbook, 1 placement test ; in container 18 × 25 × 19 cm
12 slides, 1 sound cassette, 1 booklet, 1 map ; in box 16 × 30 × 20 cm
b)Record separate technical descriptions for each part or group of parts
If a further technical description of each part is desired, record a separate technical description for each part or group of parts conveyed in a distinct type of media. Optionally, if the parts are in a container, name the container after the last technical description and record its dimensions. <line 818√>
46 slides : col.
1 sound cassette (15 min.) : analog, mono.
1 filmstrip (39 fr.) : col. ; 35 mm
1 sound cassette (ca. 18 min.) : analog, mono.
4 study prints : col. ; 29 × 88 cm, folded to 29 × 44 cm
1 v. (15 p.) ; 22 cm
1 folded sheet (4 p.) ; 22 cm
All in container 33 × 47 × 5 cm
c)Record the extent in general terms
For resources comprising a large number of heterogeneous parts, record a general term as the extent. Record the number of such pieces unless it cannot be ascertained. Optionally, if the pieces are in a container, name the container and record its dimensions.
various pieces
27 various pieces
42 various pieces ; in box 20 × 12 × 6 cm
Make notes on the technical characteristics of particular parts if they are considered to be important. [1.10C3] C*
Tape cassette also issued as disc.
13.1.5. Remote access digital resources
Do not record formal elements of technical description (extent, dimensions, other technical details, and accompanying material) for a digital resource that is available only by remote access unless the option at 13.3.0.4 is applied. Otherwise, record technical details in notes (see 13.3.8, 13.5.13, and 13.6.1.5). See also 13.5.0.4 and 13.6.0.8. [9.5A1] C*
13.2. Type and form of carrier
[To be added] <GMD/SMD WG report> <line 361> <lines 378-407>
13.3. Extent
Contents
13.3.0Basic instructions on recording extent
13.3.1[To be added]
13.3.2[To be added]
13.3.3[To be added]
13.3.4[To be added]
13.3.5[To be added]
13.3.6[To be added]
13.3.7[To be added]
13.3.8Notes on extent
13.3.0. Basic instructions on recording extent
Contents
13.3.0.1Definition
13.3.0.2Sources of information
13.3.0.3Recording extent
13.3.0.4Remote access digital resource
13.3.0.5Resource issued in successive parts not yet complete
13.3.0.6Comprehensive description of a collection
13.3.0.7Analytic description of a part
13.3.0.8Playing time
13.3.0.1. Definition
Extent is the number of physical units and/or the number of components making up the resource.
Extent may also be expressed as playing time (see 13.3.0.8).
13.3.0.2. Sources of information
Take information to be used in recording extent from any source. Take explicitly or implicitly stated information from the resource itself.
13.3.0.3. Recording extent
Record the extent of the resource by specifying <line 342> <line 360> <line 363> <line 364> <line 365> <line 366> <line 367> <line 368> <line 369> <line 370> <line 371> <line 372>
eithera)the number of physical units, as instructed under a) below
orb)the number of components, as instructed under b) below
orc)both the number of physical units and the number of components, as instructed under a) and b) below.
Add the playing time, if applicable, as instructed in 13.3.0.8.
a)Number of physical units
Record the number of physical units by giving the number in arabic numerals and an appropriate term to indicate the form of carrier as listed under 13.2.X. [1.5B1] C* <line 346>
1 microfilm cassette
3 microscope slides
3 v.
1 computer disk
If none of the terms listed under 13.2.X is appropriate (e.g., when new physical carriers are developed), record the specific name of the unit as concisely as possible. [8.5B1 / 9.5B1] <line 355> <line 375√> <line 376>
1 clockwork toy train
2 jigsaw puzzles
3 hand puppets
2 feather headbands, 1 pair beaded moccasins
1 computer card
1 computer optical card
Optionally, instead of using a term listed under 13.2.X, use a term in common usage to record the specific format of the physical carrier. Record a trade name or other similar specification in a note (see 13.5.13.3). [6.5B1 / 7.5B1 / 9.5B1] <line 362> <line 419√>
1 DVD-audio
1 DVD-video
1 CD-ROM
2 Photo CDs
1 DVD-ROM
If the units of the resource are identical, add identical before the term indicating the type of physical unit.
30 identical microscope slides
If the exact number cannot be readily ascertained, record an approximate number. [8.5B1]
ca. 1,000 postcards
If the resource being described forms only part of a physical unit, record the extent as instructed in 13.3.0.7.
b)Number of components
Record the number of components by giving the number in arabic numerals and an appropriate term to indicate the type of component as listed in the table below. [1.5B3] <line 356> <line 422> <line 423> <line 424>
327 p.
150 fr.
1 map
3 diagrams
1 score
1 vocal score
4 parts
8 sheets
(Recorded as components of a flip chart)
[Table listing terms for components to be added] <GMD/SMD WG report> <lines 428-447>
If the components of the resource are identical, add identical before the term indicating the number of components. <line 425>
10 identical maps
2 identical scores
Optionally, add a more specific term. [8.5B1]
50 identical sets of 10 activity cards
If the components cannot be named concisely or if their number cannot be readily ascertained, record the components as various pieces and optionally record the details of the pieces in a note (see 13.3.8.3). [10.5B2] <line 426>
various pieces
(Recorded as components of a game)
various pieces
(Recorded as components of a diorama)
Note:Contains 1 small stage, 5 foreground transparencies, 2 backgrounds, 5 story sheets, and 1 easel
13.3.0.4. Remote access digital resource
Optionally, record the extent of a remote access digital resource. Use an appropriate term preferably taken from the table under 13.3.0.3b or a term in common usage. See also 13.5.0.4 and 13.6.0.8. [9.5B3] <line 419>
1 photograph
6 remote-sensing images
1 sound file
Web site
1 digital text
13.3.0.5. Resource issued in successive parts not yet complete
When preparing a comprehensive description for a resource issued in successive parts that is not yet complete, record the term indicating the type of physical unit alone. [1.5B5]C* <line 409> <line 410> <line 412> <line 413> <line 414√> <line 416> <line 417> <line 418>
microscope slides
v.
Optionally, when the resource is complete, add the number of physical units. <line 411>
84 microscope slides
6 v.
If the resource was planned to be in more than one part, but not all have been published and it appears that the resource will not be continued, describe the incomplete set as appropriate (i.e., record the number of parts). Make a note (see 13.3.8.6) to the effect that no more parts have been issued. [2.5B21] <line 409> <line 415>
13.3.0.6. Comprehensive description of a collection
If a collection described as a whole occupies one linear foot or less of storage space, record the extent in terms of the number or approximate number of items[1] (the number of bound and unbound items separately expressed), or the number of containers or volumes. Optionally, if the number of volumes or containers is recorded, add the number or approximate number of items. [4.5B2] <LC/3-13.2> <line 356> <line 485> <line 487> <line 488√>
123 items
ca. 400 items
6 v.
3 v. (183 items)
If the collection occupies more than one linear foot of storage space, record the extent in terms of the number of linear feet occupied. Optionally, add the number or approximate number of containers or volumes and/or items. <line 356> <line 484> <line 488√>
40 ft.
3 ft. (ca. 2250 items)
6 ft. (75 v.)
5 ft. (30 items bound, 37 items unbound)
2 ft. (ca. 70 items, 12 bound)
10 ft. (12 boxes)
15 ft. (12 boxes, ca. 1000 items)
13.3.0.7. Analytic description of a part
When preparing an analytic description for a part of a larger resource, express the extent of the part in one or other of the following ways: [6.5B3 / 7.5B3 / 9.5B2 / 11.5B3]
a)record the number of pages, frames, etc., that apply to the component part
310 p.
68 frames
b)record the physical position of the component part within the larger resource, indicating the specific physical unit or component on which the component part is located if the physical unit or component is numbered as part of a continuous sequence of numbering for the larger resource. <line 481>
p. 210-450
leaves 51-71
on sheet 3 of 4 sheets
on 1 side of 1 sound disc
on reel 1 of 2 film reels
on cassette no. 3 of 4 microfilm cassettes
13.3.0.8. Playing time
If the resource being described has a playing time, record that playing time as follows: [1.5B4] C* <line 356> <line 475> <line 476> <line 477>
a)if the playing time is stated on the resource, record the playing time as stated
40 min.
3 min., 23 sec.
1 hr., 30 min.
b)if the playing time is not stated on the resource but is readily ascertainable, record it
30 min.
c)optionally, if the playing time is neither stated on the resource nor readily ascertainable, record an approximate time
ca. 7 min.
ca. 90 min.
d)optionally, if the resource is issued in more than one part, and the parts have a stated uniform playing time or an approximate uniform playing time, record the playing time of each part followed by each; otherwise, record the total playing time. See also 13.3.8.4. <line 474>
60 min. each
ca. 30 min. each
50 min.
e)optionally, if the playing time is not stated on the resource and the number of frames, etc., is readily ascertainable (e.g., on a videodisc), record the number of frames, etc. [7.5B2] <line 473>
45,876 fr.
Optionally,when describing a resource that contains both sound and/or moving images and text, still images, etc., whether the playing time is stated or not, record in a note the playing time of the sound and/or moving images and the number of pages, frames, etc. (see 13.3.8.5). [7.5B2] <line 473>
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13.3.8. Notes on extent
Contents
13.3.8.1Definition
13.3.8.2Sources of information
13.3.8.3Describing various pieces
13.3.8.4Playing time of individual parts
13.3.8.5Resource containing both sound and/or moving images and text, still images, etc.
13.3.8.6Resource issued in successive parts not to be continued
13.3.8.1. Definition
A note on extent is a note providing additional information on the extent of the resource.
13.3.8.2. Sources of information
Take information to be used in a note on extent from any source. Take explicitly or implicitly stated information from the resource itself.
13.3.8.3. Describing various pieces
If the technical description includes (various pieces) (see 13.3.0.3) and a description of the pieces is considered to be useful, make a note providing such a description. [10.7B10]
Includes headdress, beaded shirt, trousers, and moccasins
Contains 1 small stage, 5 foreground transparencies, 2 backgrounds, 5 story sheets, and 1 easel
13.3.8.4. Playing time of individual parts
When preparing a comprehensive description for a resource without a collective title, make a note giving the playing times of each part contained in the resource. See also 13.3.0.8. [6.7B10] <line 676√> <line 679>
Playing times: 17 min.; 23 min.; 9 min.
13.3.8.5. Resource containing both sound and/or moving images and text, still images, etc.
Make a note giving the playing time of the sound and/or moving images and the number of pages of text, frames of still images, etc., for resources that contain both. [7.7B10]
Eighty min. of moving images and 2400 fr. of still images
13.3.8.6. Resource issued in successive parts not to be continued
Make a note if not all parts of a resource issued in successive parts have been issued and it appears that resource will not be continued (see 13.3.0.5). <line 680>
No more published
13.4. Dimensions
Contents
13.4.0Basic instructions on recording dimensions
13.4.1[To be added]
13.4.2[To be added]
13.4.3[To be added]
13.4.4[To be added]
13.4.5[To be added]
13.4.6[To be added]
13.4.7[To be added]
13.4.8Notes on dimensions
13.4.0. Basic instructions on recording dimensions
Contents
13.4.0.1Definition
13.4.0.2Sources of information
13.4.0.3Recording dimensions
13.4.0.4Dimensions of a container
13.4.0.5Multipart resources and collections
13.4.0.6Change in dimensions
13.4.0.1. Definition
Dimensions are the measurements of the physical carrier(s) and/or the container of the resource.
Dimensions may comprise measurements of height, width, height x width, height x width x depth, length, length × height, gauge, or diameter.
13.4.0.2. Sources of information
Take information to be used in recording dimensions from any source. Take explicitly or implicitly stated information from the resource itself.
13.4.0.3. Recording dimensions
Record the dimensions in terms of height, height × width, height × width × depth, length, length × height, gauge, or diameter, as appropriate to the form of carrier, the storage medium, or the object being described. If necessary, add a word to indicate which dimension is being given. [1.5D1 / 10.5D1] <LC/3-13.3> <line 346> <line 543√>
23 cm
24 × 48 cm
110 cm high
Abbreviate words in accordance with the instructions in appendix D appropriate to the language involved. [B.5C1]
14 in.
12 cm in diam.
Record the dimensions either in metric measurements (cm or mm) or in inches depending on the standard system of measurement for the particular type of carrier. If there is no standard system of measurement for the type of carrier being described, record the dimensions either in centimetres or in inches.
35 mm
(Dimensions expressed in standard system of measurement for microfilm)
4¾ in.
(Dimensions expressed in standard system of measurement for compact discs)
12 in.
(Dimensions expressed in standard system of measurement for vinyl sound recordings)
¼ in. tape
(Dimensions expressed in standard system of measurement for audiotape)
Record dimensions expressed in centimetres to the next whole centimetre up (e.g., if the height measures 17.2 centimetres, record 18 cm).
Record dimensions in fractions of an inch if appropriate to the particular type of carrier or storage medium.
Optionally, omit the dimensions if they are consistent with the established standard for the particular type of carrier (e.g., 5 × 5 cm for a slide).
13.4.0.4. Dimensions of a container
Optionally, if the resource is in a container, name the container and record its dimensions either after the dimensions of the resource or as the only dimensions. Separate the dimensions by a comma. [1.5D2] C*
16 × 32 × 3 cm, in case 17 × 34 × 6 cm
(Dimensions of a model and its container)
in box 12 × 9 × 18 cm
(Dimensions of the container; dimensions of the object in the container not recorded)
13.4.0.5. Multipart resources and collections
If the materials and/or the containers in a multipart resource or a collection described as a whole are all of the same size, record the dimensions indicating that they apply to each. [4.5D2] <line 544>
12 cm each in diam., in box 40 × 50 × 8 cm
(Dimensions of a set of paperweights and the container)
20 × 30 cm each
(Dimensions of 20 items in a collection all of the same size)
30 cm each
(Dimensions of 6 bound volumes in a collection all of the same size)
27 × 40 × 50 cm each
(Dimensions of 12 containers in a collection all of the same size)
If the materials and/or the containers differ in size, record the smallest or smaller and the largest or larger size, separated by a hyphen. [2.5D3 / 6.5D1 / 7.5D1 / 9.5D2 / 10.5D3]
24-28 cm
(Dimensions of the smallest and largest of 6 volumes of differing height)
150-210 cm high
(Dimensions of the smallest and largest of 3 sculptures of differing height)
in boxes 20 × 30 × 5 cm-26 × 35 × 6 cm
(Dimensions of the smaller and larger of the containers of differing sizes)
Exception:
Cartographic resources. If the maps, etc., in a multipart resource or a collection are of two sizes, record both. If they are of more than two sizes, record the greatest height of any of them followed by the greatest width of any of them and or smaller. [3.5D1]
44 × 55 cm and 48 × 75 cm
(Dimensions of the smaller and larger sheet maps in a multipart resource containing sheets of two sizes)
60 × 90 cm or smaller
(Dimensions reflecting the greatest height and greatest width of sheet maps in a collection containing sheets of more than two sizes)
13.4.0.6. Change in dimensions
Record a change in dimensions as follows.
a)Resource issued in successive parts
If the dimensions of a resource issued in successive parts change, record the dimensions following the applicable instructions for multipart resources in 13.4.0.5. [12.5D2]
27-32 cm
(Dimensions of the smallest and largest volumes of a serial)
Make a note on the details of the change if they are considered to be important (see 13.4.8.4a)
b)Integrating resource
If the dimensions of a subsequent iteration of an integrating resource change, change the dimensions to reflect the current iteration and make a note if the change is considered to be important (see 13.4.8.4b).
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13.4.8. Notes on dimensions
Contents
13.4.8.1Definition
13.4.8.2Sources of information
13.4.8.3Details of dimensions
13.4.8.4Change in dimensions
13.4.8.1. Definition
Notes on dimensions are notes on dimensions not recorded formally as part of the dimensions element.
13.4.8.2. Sources of information
Take information to be used in notes on dimensions from any source. Take explicitly or implicitly stated information from the resource itself.
13.4.8.3. Details of dimensions
Make notes providing details on dimensions not recorded formally as part of the dimensions element, if they are considered to be important.
Printed area measures 30 × 46 cm
Impressed on rectangular surface 20 × 20 cm
13.4.8.4. Change in dimensions
Make notes on changes in dimensions as follows.
a)Resource issued in successive parts
If the dimensions change on a subsequent issue or part, make notes on the details of the change if they are considered to be important (see 13.4.0.6a). If the changes have been numerous, a general statement may be made. [12.7B12.2a]