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MARC PROPOSAL NO. 2021-01

DATE: December 22, 2020
REVISED:

NAME: Enhanced Edition Information for Dewey Decimal Numbers in the MARC 21 Formats

SOURCE: Dewey Editorial Team, OCLC

SUMMARY: This paper proposes guidance in various fields for the editions of the Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) scheme in MARC 21 Authority, Bibliographic, Classification, and Community Information formats. These changes will bring MARC up to date for the current Dewey publishing environment, and allow catalogers to more meaningfully describe the classification of a work given the continuously updated nature of 21st-century Dewey.

KEYWORDS: Classification number edition (AD, BD, CI); Classification Scheme and Edition (CD); DDC (AD, BD, CD, CI); Dewey Decimal Classification Number (AD, BD, CI); Field 082 (AD, BD, CI); Field 083 (AD, BD); Field 685 (CD); Introduction (CD); Appendix D – Glossary (CD); Subfield $2, in field 082 (BD); Subfield $2, in field 083 (AD, BD)

RELATED: 2020-DP08; 2011-12; 2011-11; 2008-01; 2007-DP06; 97-5

STATUS/COMMENTS:
12/22/20 – Made available to the MARC community for discussion.

01/26/21 – Results of MARC Advisory Committee discussion: Approved, with the following amendments: 1) In fields 082 and 083, revise the definition and scope of 1st indicator value “7” to align with the proposed changes in $2, and add a scope note to the definition of $2 that specifies a language source code list; 2) Update the definition of field 852 (Location) indicator value "1 - Dewey Decimal classification" to align with the scope and content updates proposed for fields 082 and 083.

04/28/21 - Results of MARC Steering Group review - Agreed with the MAC decision.


Proposal No. 2021-01: Enhanced Edition Information for Dewey Decimal Numbers

1. BACKGROUND

Fields 082 and 083 provide Dewey Decimal Classification (DDC) numbers for 1XX headings in the MARC Authority Format and for bibliographic works in the MARC Bibliographic Format. The Dewey number itself is recorded in fields 082 and 083, in subfield $a (sometimes in conjunction with subfield $c, when expressing a number range), though the edition number, in subfield $2, is also crucial, since Dewey numbers can change in meaning over time. Editors can authorize new numbers, and deprecate or change existing ones, so for context, it is important to know the date on which a number was assigned.

Previously, an edition number in subfield $2 alone was enough to explain the context of a number. When the DDC was primarily or exclusively a print product, changes to a number between editions were rare. But this traditional publication model has long since ended. The classification has also been published in dynamic electronic formats for more than 20 years now. An edition number in subfield $2, then, is insufficient to indicate precisely when a DDC number was assigned, or when it was considered valid, since the meaning of a number can change within a single edition. The final contents of Edition 22, for example, differed from both the printed DDC 22 (2003) and the printed DDC 23 (2011). Furthermore, in 2017, OCLC announced that it would no longer publish printed Dewey editions. A DDC number assigned from the current WebDewey is still properly coded $2 23; this is also true of a number assigned from the print DDC 23, even though many changes have occurred in the classification since. After investigating the possibility, OCLC has decided not to designate an Edition 24. This means that Edition 23, which was released in 2011, will continue indefinitely.

The existing MARC fields for Dewey numbers mention only that updates were issued until 1997 in DC&: Dewey Decimal Classification Additions, Notes and Decisions, but there’s much more to the publication history of the DDC. In 1993, the first electronic version was released, named simply Electronic Dewey. This was a DOS-based application updated each January. In 1996, it was succeeded by Dewey for Windows, a CD-based product that was also updated each January. Finally, in 2000, the first iteration of WebDewey was created. Ever since, there have been continual updates published to WebDewey. We can reasonably expect some form of continual updates indefinitely in the future, even if WebDewey is succeeded by a different application or interface.

2. DISCUSSION

2.1. Justification

In a primarily electronic environment, it is much more helpful to know the date on which a DDC number was assigned by a cataloger rather than an edition statement. (By contrast, knowing a number is from the 20th edition [1989], for example, is quite sufficient without an associated date.) Where DDC numbers have not changed over time, the need to track edition and/or date information may be minimal.

But the classification is dynamic, and many topics shift over time. Given that OCLC plans not to designate a new edition, the DDC will technically remain in Edition 23 indefinitely, and citing edition alone in conjunction with a DDC number will become less and less helpful. Without date information, older numbers become unhelpful or misleading, whether to catalogers attempting to reclassify or to users who expect works on the same topic to be found together. Finally, catalogers make mistakes! Having dates associated with a DDC number allows a classifier to check against history notes in WebDewey to see whether an invalid number was valid at the time it was assigned by the cataloger or whether it was simply a mistake.

Recall that there has been potential for divergence of a number within an edition ever since the first electronic version of the classification, in 1993. The problem is compounded with continuous updates, which have been available since 2000. Although the classification is now primarily accessed through WebDewey, which is continuously updated, users can also purchase print-on-demand versions, whose content is updated once a year. While some classes may be fairly static in content, others may differ depending on the format (i.e., print or electronic) and the date they were accessed.

2.2. Proposed Changes Discussion

In the previous discussion paper, 2020-DP08, we suggested a new subfield for the relevant MARC fields, to be used only for classification numbers assigned from electronic versions, and modifying the instructions for subfield $2 to limit its use to print versions. Respondents to that paper understood the problem at hand and largely agreed with the proposed approach. The Deutsche Nationalbibliothek, however, provided some thoughtful feedback: rather than introduce a new subfield and limiting the use of an existing one, we could express all the needed information in the existing subfield $2, and we could do so in such a way that does not negatively affect existing records.

The MARC Source Codes for Vocabularies, Rules, and Schemes allow for the use of slashes (/) after codes to express "edition, language, or date of publication of the source documentation". Fields for DDC numbers do not exactly follow these definitions—notably, source code ddc is omitted, since the fields are for DDC numbers by nature. But slashes are already used along these lines in such fields to express language. This is important given the local adaptations and extensions present in some DDC translations. After considering the DNB feedback, we agree that we can work with the existing subfield.

We propose instructions adding language information, and the date on which a given number was assigned by a cataloger (with the assumption that it was valid as of that date) to subfield $2. For WebDewey users, this simply means recording the date on which they are cataloging. If a cataloger is using an older print edition, however, no change is needed: they simply will continue to record edition numbers in subfield $2. We also propose changing the label on this subfield to "Edition information", from the narrower "Edition number".

All three data elements—edition number, language of edition, and date—are now considered mandatory when classifying from either a print or an electronic edition. Although users of DDC translations already record language information, users of the English version are not accustomed to this practice. Users of the English version will acclimate, as they have to the inclusion of English language-of-cataloging coding in field 040 subfield $b in bibliographic records. One common lesson we have learned from trying to translate decades of MARC practices into data that are friendly in a linked world is that omitting certain elements because they are "understood" or "standard" defaults is less than ideal. Hence, we are suggesting a movement away from the guidance in the "Source Codes" document:

"Omission of the edition, language, or year will imply that the assigning institution used the edition that was current when the record was created."

This is already the case with such fields. Since the date element will be new for subfield $2, will that cause confusion due to all the existing records that lack it? We don’t think so. Catalogers can look to field 008/00-05 for context regarding the record's creation, and to the language of the cataloging agency for language information. If DDC fields are updated subsequently in such a record, the cataloger should follow the new practice.

There is still the matter of the print Dewey products, both the old printed editions and the current annual print-on-demand versions. We propose instructions at subfield $2 to record the publication year in addition to edition statements. For future print-on-demand versions, OCLC can reinforce this by adding instructions in the publications on how to cite them in MARC.

What about the idea of designating two new subfields, as the DNB also suggested? There is something to the simplicity of distinct subfields for traditional print versions, dynamic electronic ones, and current annual print-on-demand ones. But in practice, authorizing two new subfields could become quite messy. Even with explanatory notes in the MARC documentation, it risks requiring catalogers to know all the intricacies of the DDC’s publication history.

This proposal also updates some of the language regarding the publication and availability of the DDC, as previously suggested in the discussion paper.

3. PROPOSED CHANGES AND EXAMPLES


3.1. Proposed Changes to MARC BIBLIOGRAPHIC Elements


3.1.1. Bibliographic Field 082

Make the following underlined changes/additions to field 082 of the Bibliographic format:

082 - Dewey Decimal Classification Number (R)

Subfield Codes

$a - Classification number (R)

$b - Item number (NR)

$m - Standard or optional designation (NR)

$q - Assigning agency (NR)

$2 - Edition number information (NR)

Information on the edition from which the DDC number was assigned. If DDC numbers are assigned from more than one edition, each DDC number or range of numbers is contained in a separate 082 field. If the DDC number is assigned from a printed version, record edition number (use “23” for print-on-demand), a slash (/), the language of the edition, a slash (/), and the year of publication or printing. If a DDC number is assigned from an electronic version, record edition number (use “23” or “22” for WebDewey, as appropriate), a slash (/), the language of the edition, a slash (/), and the date on which the DDC number was assigned by the cataloger. Dates are recorded according to Representation of Dates and Times (ISO 8601) in the pattern yyyymmdd.

082   00$a792.8/2$223/eng/20190402

$6 - Linkage (NR)

$8 - Field link and sequence number (R)

 

FIELD DEFINITION AND SCOPE

Classification number is taken from the Dewey Decimal Classification and Relative Index, the Abridged Dewey Decimal Classification and Relative Index, and electronic updates to either edition, accessed through electronic or printed versions. Through 1997, updates were issued in DC& Dewey Decimal Classification Additions, Notes and Decisions.

Second indicator values distinguish between content assigned by the Library of Congress (LC) and content assigned by an organization other than LC.

3.1.2. Bibliographic Field 083

Make the following underlined changes/additions to field 083 of the Bibliographic format:

083 - Additional Dewey Decimal Classification Number (R)

Subfield Codes

$a - Classification number (R)

$c - Classification number--Ending number of span (R)

$m - Standard or optional designation (NR)

$q - Assigning agency (NR)

$y - Table sequence number for internal subarrangement or add table (R)

$z - Table identification (R)

$2 - Edition number information (NR)

Information on the edition from which the DDC number was assigned. If the DDC number is assigned from a printed version, record edition number (use “23” for print-on-demand), a slash (/), the language of the edition, a slash (/), and the year of publication or printing. If a DDC number is assigned from an electronic version, record edition number (use “23” or “22” for WebDewey, as appropriate), a slash (/), the language of the edition, a slash (/), and the date on which the DDC number was assigned by the cataloger. Dates are recorded according to Representation of Dates and Times (ISO 8601) in the pattern yyyymmdd.

083   0#$a968.87/02$223/eng/20190402

$6 - Linkage (NR)

$8 - Field link and sequence number (R)

 

FIELD DEFINITION AND SCOPE

Classification number used for subject access. It is taken from the Dewey Decimal Classification and Relative Index, the Abridged Dewey Decimal Classification and Relative Index, and electronic updates to either edition, accessed through electronic or printed versions. Through 1997, updates were issued in DC& Dewey Decimal Classification Additions, Notes and Decisions.

3.1.3. BIBLIOGRAPHIC EXAMPLES


Example 1:
A work about whales, Dewey number assigned from German WebDewey on April 13, 2019

082 00$a599.5$223/ger/20190413

Example 2: A work about espionage, Dewey number assigned from the print DDC 23 (2011)

082 00$a327.12 $223/eng/2011

This printed edition was published in 2011 and has static content.

Example 3: A work about coal mining in Clifton Forge, Virginia, Dewey number assigned from EnglishWebDewey on March 24, 2018

082  00$a622/.33409755816$223/eng/20180324

083  0#$z2$a755811 $222/eng/2003

The town of Clifton Forge, Virginia previously had its own Table 2 geographic notation, but it is now classed with Alleghany County. The 082 field gives the current standard DDC number for such a work, with an 083 giving the older dedicated notation for Clifton Forge, from the print Edition 22 (2003).

Example 4: A work about 20th-century Turkish history, Dewey number assigned from the 2018 print-on-demand publication

082  00$a956.1/02$223/eng/2018

3.2. Proposed Changes to MARC AUTHORITY Elements


3.2.1. Authority Field 082

Make the following underlined changes/additions to field 082 of the Authority format:

082 - Dewey Decimal Call Number (R)

Subfield Codes

$a - Classification number (NR)

$b - Item number (NR)

$d - Volumes/dates to which call number applies (NR)

$2 - Edition number information (NR)

Information on the edition from which the DDC number was assigned. If DDC numbers are assigned from more than one edition, each DDC number or range of numbers is contained in a separate 082 field. If the DDC number is assigned from a printed version, record edition number (use “23” for print-on-demand), a slash (/), the language of the edition, a slash (/), and the year of publication or printing. If a DDC number is assigned from an electronic version, record edition number (use “23” or “22” for WebDewey, as appropriate), a slash (/), the language of the edition, a slash (/), and the date on which the DDC number was assigned by the cataloger. Dates are recorded according to Representation of Dates and Times (ISO 8601) in the pattern yyyymmdd. The abbreviation dc that may precede the edition number may be generated for display.

082   00$a174.2/2$223/eng/20190402

$5 - Institution to which field applies (R)

$6 - Linkage (NR)

$8 - Field link and sequence number (R)

 

FIELD DEFINITION AND SCOPE

Call number for a series when all or part of the series is classified as a collected set or with the main series (646, Series Classification Practice, subfield $a, code c or m). Source of the classification number is the Dewey Decimal Classification and Relative Index, the Abridged Dewey Decimal Classification and Relative Index, and electronic updates to either edition, accessed through electronic or printed versions. Through 1997, updates were issued in the DC& Dewey Decimal Classification Additions, Notes and Decisions.

Also contains the edition number of the type of Dewey edition (identified by the first indicator value) from which the classification number was assigned and may contain the volumes/dates to which the number applies. Varying numbers for different ranges of volumes/dates within a series or different copies or sets are contained in separate 082 fields.

3.2.2. Authority Field 083

Make the following underlined changes/additions to field 082 of the Authority format:

083 - Dewey Decimal Classification Number (R)

Subfield Codes

$a - Classification number element-single number or beginning number of span (NR)

$b - Classification number element-ending number of span (NR)

$c - Explanatory term (NR)

$y - Table sequence number for internal subarrangement or add table (R)

$z - Table identification-table number (NR)

$2 - Edition number information (NR)

Information on the edition from which the DDC number was assigned. If DDC numbers are assigned from more than one edition, each DDC number or number span is contained in a separate 083 field. If the DDC number is assigned from a printed version, record edition number (use “23” for print-on-demand), a slash (/), the language of the edition, a slash (/), and the year of publication or printing. If a DDC number is assigned from an electronic version, record edition number (use “23” or “22” for WebDewey, as appropriate), a slash (/), the language of the edition, a slash (/), and the date on which the DDC number was assigned by the cataloger. Dates are recorded according to Representation of Dates and Times (ISO 8601) in the pattern yyyymmdd.

083   00$a362.29/6$223/eng/20190402

$5 - Institution to which field applies (R)

$6 - Linkage (NR)

$8 - Field link and sequence number (R)

 

FIELD DEFINITION AND SCOPE

Single Dewey classification number or a number span associated with a 1XX heading in an established heading record or a subdivision record. Source of the classification number is the Dewey Decimal Classification and Relative Index, the Abridged Dewey Decimal Classification and Relative Index, and electronic updates to either edition, accessed through electronic or printed versions. Through 1997, updates were issued in the DC& Dewey Decimal Classification Additions, Notes and Decisions.

Classification number(s) may be qualified by a descriptive term when the heading is represented in more than one place in the Dewey classification schedules. In a subdivision record, the field also contains the number of the table from which the classification number is taken. Each classification number or number span associated with a heading is contained in a separate 083 field. The second indicator values distinguish between content actually assigned by the Library of Congress and content assigned by an organization other than LC. The organization is identified in subfield $5.

3.2.3. AUTHORITY EXAMPLES

Example 1: A series authority record for proceedings of a conference of medieval studies, Dewey number assigned from French WebDewey on May 23, 2019

082  00$a909.07$223/fre/20190523

Example 2: A subject authority record for art representation of Buddhism, Dewey number assigned from the 2019 print-on-demand Dewey publication

083  7#$a704.9/48943$223/eng/2019

Example 3: A subject authority record for primary education in geography, Dewey number assigned from the print DDC 23 (2011)

083  0#$a372.89/1$223/eng/2011

3.3. Proposed Changes to MARC COMMUNITY INFORMATION Elements


3.3.1. Community Information Field 082

Make the following underlined changes/additions to field 082 of the Community Information format:

082 - Dewey Decimal Classification Number (R)

Subfield Codes

$a - Classification number (R)

$b - Item number (NR)

$m - Standard or optional designation (NR)

$q - Assigning agency (NR)

$2 - Edition number information (NR)

Information on the edition from which the DDC number was assigned. If DDC numbers are assigned from more than one edition, each DDC number or range of numbers is contained in a separate 082 field. If the DDC number is assigned from a printed version, record edition number (use “23” for print-on-demand), a slash (/), the language of the edition, a slash (/), and the year of publication or printing. If a DDC number is assigned from an electronic version, record edition number (use “23” or “22” for WebDewey, as appropriate), a slash (/), the language of the edition, a slash (/), and the date on which the DDC number was assigned by the cataloger. Dates are recorded according to Representation of Dates and Times (ISO 8601) in the pattern yyyymmdd.

082   00$a338.1/7$223/eng/20190402

$6 - Linkage (NR)

$8 - Field link and sequence number (R)

FIELD DEFINITION AND SCOPE

Classification number that is assigned from Dewey Decimal Classification, Abridged Dewey Decimal Classification, and/or DC& Dewey Decimal Classification Additions, Notes and Decisions, all of which are maintained by the Library of Congress. the Dewey Decimal Classification, accessed through electronic or printed versions.

3.3.2. COMMUNITY INFORMATION EXAMPLES


Example 1:
A record about an organization dedicated to psychology of gifted children, assigned on April 15, 2019 from the English print DDC 16 (1958)

082  04$a136.765 $216/eng/1958

Example 2: A record about a lecture on marriage customs around the world, assigned on October 7, 2020 from the English WebDewey

082  04$a392.5 $223/eng/20201007

Example 3: A record about a legal clinic for property tax help, assigned from the 2018 English print-on-demand publication

082  04$a336.2/3 $216/eng/2018

3.4. Proposed Changes to MARC CLASSIFICATION Elements


3.4.1. Classification Field 685

Make the following underlined changes/additions to field 685 of the Classification format:

685 – History Note (R)

SCHEME-SPECIFIC CONVENTIONS

Dewey Decimal Classification - Formerly notes are the other ends of relocation notes. In the printed version they are embedded in captions or in other notes rather than being a separate note.

Subfield $d (Date of implementation of authoritative-agency) and subfield $2 (Edition number) are applicable only to represent when changes were made in the standard full English language edition of the DDC.

Examples of the use of subfield Subfield $f (Title and publication date) are the was used with sources such as DC&: Decimal Classification Additions, Notes and Decisions, small schedules that are were issued separately in advance of the publication of a new printed edition, or on the "New and Changed Entries" page of the DDC news and events website. New changes are now instead published continuously through WebDewey, which need not be given in subfield $f.

3.4.2. Proposed Changes to the Classification Format Introduction

Make the following underlined changes/additions to the Introduction of the Classification format:

STANDARDS AND OTHER DOCUMENTS RELATED TO THIS FORMAT

The MARC 21 Format for Classification Data should be used with the following standards and related documentation. When a standard is applicable to data in specific fields of the format, the fields are given in brackets following the citation.


Classification Schemes

3.4.3. Proposed Changes to Classification Format Appendix D - Glossary

Make the following underlined changes/additions to Appendix D - Glossary of the Classification format:

Definitions for terms used in the MARC 21 Format for Classification Data. When the term is used in connection with a specific field(s), the content designator to which it applies is in parentheses at the end of the definition. If a term applies only to a particular classification scheme, it is so indicated. A term in italics also has a definition in this glossary. Some definitions are reproduced from Edition 20 or Edition 21 of the Dewey Decimal Classification, published in 1989 and 1996, respectively, by permission of Forest Press, a division of OCLC Online Computer Library Center Inc., owner of copyright.

4. BIBFRAME DISCUSSION

Date is a general property in BIBFRAME and can be used with classification information.

5. SUMMARY OF PROPOSED CHANGES

5.1. In the MARC 21 Bibliographic Format:

In fields 082 and 083, expand instructions for subfield $2 to require language information and the date a DDC number was assigned from an electronic version, or publication year for a print version. Update the description of $2 to allow use of the subfield for all sources, not just discrete editions. Update language in the definition and scope of these fields to reflect how the DDC is now accessed. (See Section 3.1. for full description of changes)

5.2. In the MARC 21 Authority Format:

In fields 082 and 083, expand instructions for subfield $2 to require language information and the date a DDC number was assigned from an electronic version, or publication year for a print version. Update the description of $2 to allow use of the subfield for all sources, not just discrete editions. Update language in the definition and scope of these fields to reflect how the DDC is now accessed. (See Section 3.2 for full description of changes)

5.3. In the MARC 21 Community Information Format:

In field 082, expand instructions for subfield $2 to require language information and the date a DDC number was assigned from an electronic version, or publication year for a print version. Update the description of $2 to allow use of the subfield for all sources, not just discrete editions. Update language in the definition and scope of these fields to reflect how the DDC is now accessed. (See Section 3.3. for full description of changes)

5.4. In the MARC 21 Classification Format:

Correct outdated information in the scheme-specific conventions for field 685, the introduction, and the glossary (Appendix D). (See Section 3.4. for full description of changes)


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