Metadata Policy: Language of Cataloguing

 

Policy Area:    

Metadata/Cataloguing 

Background/ Rationale:    

MARC 21  

• 040 |b 
• Use a MARC code for the language of the catalog for which the record is intended. 

RDA 

• language used to record data that is not transcribed 
• language (and script) preferred by the agency creating the data 
• Language used by the cataloguing institution in notes, physical description, qualifiers for names, controlled vocabulary for content, media and carrier types, etc. 

Do not confuse this with the language of the content. Language of the content in a MARC 21 record is coded in 008 positions 35-37 (and if more than one language 041 and 546). 

Policy Statement  

• The language of cataloguing is English or French (040 |b eng   OR   040 |b fre) 
• If the only record found in the Network Zone or external catalogues such as OCLC has a language of cataloguing other than English or French, then the item should be treated as original cataloguing. 
• For English items, the language of cataloguing should be English. If the only record found in the Network Zone or external catalogues is not English, treat as original cataloguing.
• For French items, the language of cataloging could be French or English, but English is preferred. 
  • If the only record found in the Network Zone or external catalogues is French
    • If the bibliographic record has LC subject headings, treat as copy cataloguing.
    • Otherwise, treat as original cataloguing to add LC subject headings.
  • If no record found, create original record in French and add both RVM and LC subject headings.
• YUL don't keep both English and French records.
• Records kept only in an Institution Zone do not need to adhere to this policy, but it is recommended.
• The YUL metadata policy will be reviewed when it becomes necessary 

Anticipated Impacts: Leslie Frost Library  

 Policy Review Information