New Expanded Edition of USMARC Specifications
The 1994 edition of the USMARC Specifications for Record Structure, Character Sets and Exchange Media is now available from the Cataloging Distribution Service of the Library of Congress. The new edition is expanded considerably in the areas of character sets and specifications for exchange media. People working with USMARC records that have a need to understand the technical aspects of the MARC data structure, USMARC character sets, and methods for exchanging files of records should get a copy of this new edition.
Thirteen newly defined characters for the Latin script and new basic and extended USMARC character sets for the Arabic script can now be found in the character sets section. The character sets in USMARC Specifications for Record Structure, Character Sets, and Exchange Media, 1994 edition, include graphics of the characters in the corresponding vernacular script. The exchange media section now contains specifications for exchange of USMARC records using magnetic tape, microcomputer diskettes and electronic file transfer. The last of these three subsections is particularly important, since it is now possible to exchange USMARC records electronically via the Internet.
Each section of USMARC Specifications for Record Structure, Character Sets, and Exchange Media, 1994 edition, includes its own glossary of terminology. The explanations of the USMARC record structure are illustrated graphically. Character sets are shown tabularly, in addition to lists arranged by coded character value. USMARC Specifications for Record Structure, Character Sets, and Exchange Media, 1994 edition, sells for $22 (North America) and $23 (outside North America). Order directly from: Library of Congress, Customer Services Section-USMARC, Cataloging Distribution Service, P.O. Box 75640, Washington, DC 20541-3017; telephone: (800) 255-3666 (U.S. only) or (202) 707-6100; TDD: (202) 707-0012; fax: (202) 707-1334; Email: cdsinfo@mail.loc.gov
New Edition of Free-floating Subdivisions
The Library of Congress has released the newest edition of Free-floating Subdivisions, 7th edition , which lists all subdivisions designated as "free-floating."
Free-floating refers to a form or topical subdivision assigned by the subject cataloger under designated subjects without the usage being established editorially and, therefore, without the usage appearing in the subject authority file under each individual subject heading.
Utilizing the Free-floating Subdivisions, 7th edition, also helps when searching information in the Subject Cataloging Manual: Subject Headings, in which Free-floating Subdivisions appear. Published annually, the price for Free-floating Subdivisions, 7th edition is $25 North America, $30 outside North America. Order directly from: Library of Congress, Customer Services Section-FSUB, Cataloging Distribution Service, P.O. Box 75720, Washington, DC 20541-5017; telephone: (800) 255-3666 (U.S. only) or (202) 707-6100; TDD: (202) 707-0012; fax: (202) 707- 1334; Email: cdsinfo@mail.loc.gov
