0: Preliminary notes

Rules

Area 0: Preliminary notes:

0.0. Scope, purpose and use

0.0.1. Scope

0.0.1.1. Primary emphasis : cataloguing sound recordings

Based on ISBD (NBM) 0.0.1
Based on FIAF 0.1.1

The IASA Cataloguing Rules specify requirements for the description and identification of sound recordings and related audiovisual media, assign an order to the elements of the description and specify a system of punctuation for that description. They are designed for use by sound and audiovisual archives as a guide in the preparation of cataloguing records and as a standard for the exchange of bibliographic information concerning sound and related audiovisual materials. Their provisions relate to the bibliographic records for sound and audiovisual archives in general, and may require elaboration in more specialised archives whose holdings are exclusively of a single format or type, e.g. radio programmes, advertisements, sound effects, wildlife recordings, ethnographic recordings, music.

Here the term audiovisual encompasses sound recordings, moving and still images.

The IASA Cataloguing Rules’ primary emphasis is on sound recordings, in particular:  

  • audio formats (published, unpublished and broadcast);
  • moving image formats where these could be considered to be a natural extension of audio formats (e.g. music videos, musical performances on laser disc ), or related to audio (e.g. simultaneous FM radio and television broadcasts); and
  • electronic resources (e.g. interactive CD-ROMs, audio content in jukeboxes and mass storage systems).

Special emphasis is given to information that is appropriate to include for different types of content on sound recordings and related audiovisual materials as identified above. Options and alternatives are presented to assist archives and libraries in deciding on the most suitable approach to cataloguing their collections, in order to meet the requirements of public service and archival imperatives.

The IASA Cataloguing Rules are designed to harmonise with the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules. - 2nd ed., and the International Standard bibliographic description (Non-Book Materials) and to be able to be used in MARC or other cataloguing systems.

They address cataloguing issues concerning sound recordings and their natural extensions into other audiovisual media in more depth than AACR2. Briefly, the additional issues are cataloguing of unpublished and broadcast recordings, extra emphasis on copyright (Area 4) and greater emphasis on analytic and multilevel description (Introduction and Chapter 9). Additionally a chapter on item /copy level information (Chapter 10) is included, while appendices respectively cover the concepts of fonds and collection level cataloguing and terms and definitions for common conditions relating to sound recordings.

This work therefore does not seek to duplicate existing cataloguing rules and guidelines, but is intended to be compatible with and complement them, and to focus freshly on a variety of issues of particular relevance to sound and audiovisual archives.

Still images, paper based media, and remote access electronic resources as complete systems are not addressed in these rules.

0.0.1.2. Cataloguing of moving and still images

The FIAF Cataloguing Rules for Film archives and Betz, Elizabeth, Graphic Materials: Rules for Describing Original Items in Historical Collections have already been published, and to a considerable extent already address the cataloguing of moving and still images respectively. These should be referred to in the first instance for cataloguing of moving and still images.

Clearly, where a sound recording is contained in a moving image format , or alternatively a recorded sound format is an integral part of a moving image work, it will be necessary to discern which are the appropriate rules to apply for cataloguing the item . For some discussion on this see Appropriate cataloguing treatment of sound recordings and related audiovisual items in the Introduction to these rules.

0.0.1.3. Cataloguing of electronic resources

Furthermore, the Guidelines for bibliographic description of Interactive Multimedia and ISBD (ER): International Standard bibliographic description for Electronic Resources have been published and should be referred to for detailed guidance on cataloguing electronic resources. In particular, ISBD (ER) should be consulted for cataloguing of remote access systems as a whole.

0.0.1.4. Fonds and collection level cataloguing

These rules also cover the concept of fonds and collection level cataloguing to the extent that it may apply to cataloguing of sound recordings and related audiovisual archives and collections. ISAD(G) : General International Standard Archival Description; Bureau of Canadian Archivists, Rules for Archival Description; and Hensen, Stephen L. (comp.), archives, Personal Papers and Manuscripts: A Cataloguing Manual for Archival Repositories, Historical Societies and Manuscript Libraries should be referred to for in-depth guidance on cataloguing a fonds or collection, and its series and files.

0.0.1.5. Analytic description

Analytic description is addressed in these rules. It is an especially important concept for cataloguing sound recordings. This is because individual sound recordings are usually grouped together on a particular sound carrier, and over time, the same sound recordings may be recombined in variant groupings on new carriers, or in remote access electronic resources available on the Internet , in a mass storage system or in a jukebox.

Analytic description permits a single analytic record for the individual sound recording to be linked to the catalogue record(s) for one or more host item (s).

0.0.1.6. Multilevel description

Multilevel description is also addressed in these rules. Multilevel description has traditionally been used in archives and cataloguing agencies which apply the technique of fonds and collection level cataloguing. Depending on the information retrieval requirements and cataloguing policies and resources of the particular archive or cataloguing agency concerned, multilevel description may or may not extend to the level of the individual recording.

0.0.1.7. Descriptive cataloguing and choice of access points

Developed from FIAF 0.1.3, para 2

These rules address bibliographic description for the purpose of identification of sound and audiovisual materials in a catalogue.

These rules do not address choice of access points, nor the development of authority files.

Subject access to materials is not addressed here, as it is understood that most countries would have their own subject thesaurus.

Rules for standardising personal and corporate name headings and for choosing names as access points are not addressed here. For guidance in establishing name access points and name authority records, archives should refer to the national or multinational codes, and to the International Federation of Library Associations (IFLA) publications, such as Form and Structure of Corporate Headings (for establishing name headings), and to the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules, 2nd ed., and Library of Congress Cataloging Service Bulletins (for establishing name headings and choosing names as access points).

Name information appearing on record labels and accompanying documentation and packaging is proven to vary considerably for the same name from source to source. It is therefore recommended that appropriate and scholarly reference works (e.g. specialised reference works and encyclopaedias, discographies, bio-discographies, etc.) and established name authority files be consulted to confirm correct spelling and data elements for name headings, as well as to assist with preparing useful see and see also references.

0.0 2. Purpose

Based on ISBD (NBM) 0.1.2

The primary purpose of The IASA Cataloguing Rules is to establish a norm in audiovisual archives for describing sound recordings conformant with other schemes for bibliographic description. The intention behind this primary purpose is to ensure that the cataloguing of sound recordings can be easily and efficiently incorporated into mainstream cataloguing activity.

The purpose of The IASA Cataloguing Rules, therefore supports that outlined in ISBD (NBM), 2nd ed.:

"to (A) make records from different sources interchangeable, so that the records produced in one country can be easily accepted in the library catalogues or other bibliographic lists of another country; (B) assist in the interpretation of records across language barriers so that records produced for users in one language can be interpreted by users of other languages; and (C) assist in the conversion of bibliographic records to machine-readable form."

FIAF 0.1.2, last para

For this reason every effort has been made to follow ISBD (NBM) wherever possible, particularly with regard to the prescribed order of descriptive elements and punctuation.

0.0.3. Use

0.0.3.1. Framework

Based on FIAF 0.1.3

The rules are intended to provide a framework for the maximum amount of descriptive information required in a range of archival cataloguing activities within a great variety of national and local environments. The elements of description listed in Rule 0.B. are therefore grouped into two categories, mandatory (if applicable) and optional or alternative. The elements listed as mandatory are essential for the effective exchange of bibliographic information, while archives and cataloguing agencies are encouraged to include as many of the optional elements as the information retrieval requirements of the institution and its clients, and resources permit.

0.0.3.2. Presentation of The IASA Cataloguing Rules and application of automation

The IASA Cataloguing Rules are primarily concerned with presentation of output rather than method of input, and so were written to be applied by sound and audiovisual archives regardless of the type, or even existence of, an automated system.

0.0.3.3. Preliminary rules

Preliminary rules are given at the beginning of Areas 1-8, Chapter 9 and 10. These are to:

a) reconfirm the punctuation preceding or enclosing each element of the description in the area/chapter, where appropriate;

b) reconfirm sources for information to use in that area/chapter; and may also

c) establish any general parameters (e.g. in Area 7) on how the rules which follow are to be applied.

In the case of this third category, any parameters given as preliminary rules are not necessarily intended to serve in place of the more specific rules which follow.

0.0.3.4. Citation of source materials throughout The IASA Cataloguing Rules Rules drawn from, or corresponding with, rules in other cataloguing standards or guidelines are sourced in The IASA Cataloguing Rules. For ease of use and comparison, an indication is given as to whether the rule is based on; developed, adapted, extended, extracted or extrapolated from the source or corresponding rules; or on rare occasions, is a variant rule.

0.A. Source of information

A suitable basis for the description of sound recordings, videos and interactive multimedia can usually be found in the accompanying documentation and container packaging. This information is usually fuller than that which can be accommodated on the relatively small area of the label or, depending on the medium, other normally designated ‘chief’ source of information.

Also, information printed on labels and on accompanying documentation or containers is sometimes inaccurate. Where resources permit it is recommended that cataloguers should check information on older published items against extant scholarship, e.g. discographies (see also 0.F).

Moreover, in the case of unpublished and broadcast material, the best written information about content may not be available from written information on/in the item itself, or its accompanying documentation or container. Resources such as field notes, contents listings, interview summaries or transcripts, correspondence, broadcast programme schedules (published) or programme documentation (privileged information held by the broadcaster), as well as the audiovisual content of the item itself may be required to develop a description. For this reason, the terms ‘chief’ and ‘prescribed’ sources of information are not used in these rules.

0.A.1.1. Sources of information for Areas 1-3, 6 and corresponding areas in Analytic and multilevel description (Chapter 9)
Expanded from AACR2 1.0A1, 1.0A2, 1.1A2

Take information recorded in these areas, and corresponding areas in Analytic and multilevel description , from:

the item itself (including any permanently affixed labels, or title frames);

  • accompanying textual material (e.g. cassette insert, CD slick, inlay or booklet, recording/project accompanying documentation such as correspondence, donor agreements, recordist’s worksheets, script, transcript, cue sheet);
  • a container that is an original part of the item (e.g. sound cartridge, videocassette, sleeve, container for video); or from
  • a secondary source such as reference or research works, a publisher’s or distributor’s brochure, broadcast programme schedule, abstract, index or other available finding aid, container which is not an original part of the item (e.g. a film can used to store a reel of film , tape box for storing audio tape), or the audiovisual content of the item itself.

If the information is taken from a secondary source, cite the source in a note, if appropriate (see 7.B.3).

Note: Title and performers from audio announcement

Note: Title and script writer from radio script. Performers and characters from back announcement on recording

Note: Title, performers and series from audition. Opening and closing theme and announcements missing. Assumed to be an episode of the radio serial "Dr Paul"

Note: Title from sleeve

Note: Description from field notes

Based on FIAF 0.3.8, 0.4

Enclose information in square brackets only when it is not available from any of the above sources of information, and where it is supplied by the archive or cataloguing agency on the basis that the information:
is known, or
is at least probable, and/or
in the case of title information, has been devised in the absence of a title in the sources of information, and/or constructed from available or known information.

Where this information is uncertain give a question mark after it.

Title: [Shark attack described by teenage male victim]

Title: [Clavichord? music]

0.A.1.2. Sources of information for Areas 5, 7 and 8, and Item/copy information according to Chapter 10
Based on ISBD (NBM) 0.5.2 para 2

Take information recorded in Areas 5 (Physical description), 7 (Notes), and 8 (Numbers and terms of availability) and as Item/copy information according to Chapter 10 from any appropriate source, including the item itself.

0.A.1.3. Sources of information for Area 4

For information recorded in Area 4, see 4.A.2.

0.A.1.4. Sources of information for items lacking collective title information
Based on ISBD (NBM) 0.5.1

In cataloguing an item comprising different works and lacking collective information pertaining to the whole item , treat the sources of information for the different works as if they were a single source. A common example would be a sound disc with a different label on each side

0.A.1.5. Sources of information for an item in several parts
Based on AACR2 1.0H2

Describe an item in several physical parts from information corresponding to the first part. If the first part is not available, use the first part that is available. If there is no discernible first part, use the part that gives the most information or best collective information (e.g. container). Show variations in the sources of information of subsequent parts in notes.

For kits, where the different components have individual sources of information, prefer the source that provides information that applies to the item as a whole and that includes a collective title.

0.A.1.6. Sources of information where the item is presented in different aspects
Based on AACR2 1.0H1 c)

If the information corresponding to the item presents the item in different aspects (e.g. as an individual item and as part of a multipart item), prefer the source that corresponds to the aspect in which the item is to be treated by the archive or cataloguing agency.0.A.1.7. Sources of information for recorded sound formats generated from the production process for a published sound recording

As with unpublished and broadcast materials, recorded sound formats from different stages of production (e.g. master tapes, metal mothers, test pressing s), may also be lacking in visible information.

Where the details for the corresponding published sound recording are available, base the information to describe a production format on the best available information which corresponds to the published sound recording. Include a note indicating the means of identification:

Note: Matrix numbers on metal mothers correspond with those on commercially released recording. Description based on details from published recording
(Example of two metal mothers corresponding to the two sides of a published disc)

Note: catalogue number and contents listing on master tape box corresponds with side B of commercially released recording. Description based on details from commercially released recording
(Example of one master tape corresponding to one side of a published disc).

Note: Test pressing with catalogue number only on plain white label. Description based on details from published recording and audition

Note: Promotional disc with "Not for sale" instruction pasted over commercial label. Description based on details from published recording

Note that a later release (publication) of the same sound recording will involve new recording rights, even if the publisher is the same. Moreover, a later release on a different label may also indicate a different publisher (and again different recording rights). Later releases, therefore, will normally require their own separate bibliographic descriptions.

0.B. Elements of description

0.B.1. Order of the elements of description

Developed from ISBD (NBM) 0.3.2
Developed from FIAF 0.2

The order of the elements of description is based as closely as possible upon the order prescribed in the ISBD (NBM). Elements are grouped into the following:

1. Title and statement of responsibility
2. Edition, issue, etc.
3. Publication, production , distribution, broadcast, etc., and date(s) of creation
4. Copyright
5. Physical description
6. Series
7. Notes
8. Numbers and terms of availability

The elements which appear in each area are set out in the following Outline. Not all areas will apply when describing individual items. For instance, Area 2 (edition) will not apply to unpublished items, while different parts of Area 3 (Publication, production , distribution, broadcast, etc., and DATe(s) of creation) will apply depending on whether the item is published, broadcast or unpublished, and Area 6 (Series) will only apply where the material described relates to a series.

Where analytic or multilevel description is employed, Chapter 9 (Analytic and multilevel description ) will apply. Where description of individual items/copies of the same physical item is employed, Chapter 10 (Item/copy information) will apply. For definitions of the terms, see the rules for each chapter and the Glossary.

0.B.2. Outline of the elements of description
Developed from ISBD (NBM) 0.3.2
Extracted from FIAF 0.2 (Area 4 element)

Precede each area, other than the first, with a period, space, dash, space (. - ) unless the area begins with a new paragraph. ISBD elements are underscored in the following list.

Area Prescribed punctuation for preceding or enclosing the element

Element

 
1. Title and statement of responsibility area   1.1 Title proper
  . 1.2 Part, number, supplement or section of title proper
  [ ] 1.3 General material designation
  = * 1.4 Parallel title
  : * 1.5 Other title information
    1.6 Statements of responsibility
  /   First statement
  ;   * Subsequent statement(s)
       
2. Edition, issue, etc. area   2.1 Edition, issue, etc. statement
  = *2.2 Parallel edition, issue, etc. statement
    2.3 Statements of responsibility relating to the edition, issue, etc.
  /   First statement
  ;   Subsequent statement(s)
  , *2.4 Additional edition, issue, etc. statement
    2.5 Statements of responsibility following an additional edition, issue, etc. statement
  /   First statement
  ;   * Subsequent statement(s)
       
3. Publication, production , distribution, broadcast, etc. and Date(s) of creation area   3.1 Place of publication... distribution, etc.
  ;   First place
* Subsequent place(s)
  : *3.2 Name of publisher... distributor, etc.
  [ ] *3.3 Statement of function of publisher... distributor, etc.
  , *3.4 Date of publication... distribution, etc.
  ( *3.5 Place of manufacture
  : *3.6 Name of manufacturer
  ,) 3.7 Date of manufacture
    3.8 Date(s) of creation (unpublished/unbroadcast materials only)
4. copyright area ; *4.1 Date of copyright or p notice
       
5. Physical description area and extent of item   5.1 Specific material designation
  : 5.2 Other physical details
  ; 5.3 Dimensions of item
  + *5.4 Accompanying materialstatement
  ( ) *5.5 Detailed qualifying information for each element
       
6. Series area (Note: A Series statement is enclosed by parentheses. When there are two or more series statement s, each is enclosed by parentheses.)   6.1 Title proper of series or sub series
  = *6.2 Parallel title of series or subseries
  : *6.3 Other title information of series or subseries
    6.4 Statements of responsibility relating to the series or subseries
  /   First statement
  ;   *Subsequent statement(s)
  , 6.5 International Standard Serial Number of series or subseries
  ; 6.6 Numbering within series or subseries
  . *6.7 Enumeration and/or title of subseries
       
  , 6.8 Dependent title following a section or subseries designation
7. Note area      
       
8. Numbers and terms of availability area   *8. I Numbers
  : *8.2 Terms of availability and/or price

General notes on the framework:

i) Elements in italics are optional.
ii) Elements preceded by an asterisk (*) can be repeated when necessary.
iii) Areas 7 and 8 can be repeated when necessary.
iv) In the above outline, the terms "first statement....", "subsequent statements(s)...", and the like, denote the order in which these statements are to be given in the description and have no other connotation.
v) No provisions are included in The IASA Cataloguing Rules for the ISBD (G) Area 3 (Material (or type of publication) specific area), or the ISBD (ER) Area 3 (Type and extent of resource area).
vi) Whenever information normally associated with one area or element appears in the item is linked linguistically as an integral part of another area or element, it is transcribed as such.

Organisation of the description of a catalogue entry

Example

catalogue entry

 

 

0.C. Punctuation

Based on AACR2 1.0C1

Precede each area, other than the first, or each occurrence of a note or number, by a full stop, space, dash, space (. - ) unless the area, note or number begins a new paragraph.

Precede or enclose each occurrence of an element of an area with standard punctuation as outlined above, and also prescribed at the head of each area.

Precede each mark of prescribed punctuation by a space and follow it by a space, except for the comma, full stop, hyphen and double hyphen and closing parentheses and square brackets. The comma, full stop, hyphen, double hyphen and closing parentheses and square brackets are not preceded by a space; the opening parentheses and square brackets are preceded by a space.

Precede the first element of each area, other than the first element of the first area or the first element of an area beginning a new paragraph, by a full stop, space, dash, space. When that element is not present in a description, precede the first element that is present by a full stop, space, dash, space instead of the prescribed preceding punctuation for that element.

Indicate an interpolation (i.e. data taken from outside the prescribed source(s) of information) by enclosing it in square brackets. Indicate a conjectural interpolation by adding a question mark within the square brackets. Indicate the omission of part of an element by the mark of omission (...). Precede and follow the mark of omission by a space. Omit any area or element that does not apply in describing an individual item ; also omit its prescribed preceding or enclosing punctuation. Do not indicate the omission of an area or element by the mark of omission.

When adjacent elements within one area are to be enclosed in square brackets, enclose them in one set of square brackets unless one of the elements is a general material designation , which is always enclosed in its own set of square brackets.

Skaterdater [GMD] / [produced by] Marshal Backlar
but
[London : BBC, 1979]

When adjacent elements are in different areas, enclose each element in a set of square brackets.

[2nd ed.]. - [London] : Thomsons, 1973

When an element ends with an abbreviation followed by a full stop or ends with the mark of omission and the punctuation following that element either is or begins with a full stop, omit the full stop that constitutes or begins the prescribed punctuation .

261 p. : 24 cm. - (Canadian Ethnic Studies Association Series ; v. 4)
not
261 p. : 24 cm.. - (Canadian Ethnic Studies Association Series ; v. 4)

When punctuation occurring within or at the end of an element is retained, give it with normal spacing. Prescribed punctuation is always added, even though double punctuation may result.

Quo vadis? : a narrative from the time of Nero

0.D. Levels of detail in description

Based on AACR2 1.0D

The elements of description in the rules provide for a maximum set of information. This rule sets out three recommended levels of description each containing those elements that must be given as a minimum by archives and other cataloguing agencies choosing that level of description. Choose the level of description on the basis of the purpose of the catalogue or catalogues for which the entry is constructed, and the resources available to carry out the work.

Include the minimum set of elements for all items catalogued at the chosen level when the elements are applicable to the item being described and when, in the case of optional additions, the archive or cataloguing agency has chosen to include an optional element.

0.D.1. First level of description

Adapted from AACR2 1.0D1 For the first level of description, include at least the elements set out below:

Title proper / first statement of responsibility. - edition statement. - First publisher, etc., date of publication, etc. - copyright. - Extent of item . - Note(s). - Number(s).

0.D.2. Second level of description

Adapted from AACR2 1.0D2 For the second level of description, include at least the elements set out below:

Title proper [general material designation ] = Parallel title : other title information / first statement of responsibility ; each subsequent statement of responsibility - edition statement / first statement of responsibility relating to the edition . - First place of publication, etc. : First publisher, etc., date of publication, etc. - copyright. - Extent of item : other physical details ; dimensions. - (Title proper of series / statement of responsibility relating to series , ISSN of series ; numbering within the series . Title of subseries, ISSN of subseries ; numbering within subseries). - Note(s). - Number(s). 0.D.3. Third level of description
AACR2 1.0D3
For the third level of description, include all elements set out in the following rules that are applicable to the item being described.

0.E. Language and script of the description

Based on AACR2 1.0E1, 1.0H1

In the following areas give information from the sources of information (see 0.A) in the language and script (wherever possible) in which it is presented:

Title and statement of responsibility
Edition, issue, etc.
Publication, production, broadcast, distribution, etc., and date(s) of creation Series

Where the sources of information have written, spoken, or sung in more than one language or script, prefer (in this order):

(i) information in the language or script of the written, spoken, or sung words if there is only one such language or script or only one predominant language or script.

(ii) information in the original language or script of the work if the words are in more than one language or script, unless translation is known to be the purpose of the publication, issue, etc., in which case use the source in the language of the translation.

(iii) information in the language and/or script of the archive or cataloguing agency, or that occurs first in the following list: English, French, German, Spanish, Latin, any other language using the roman alphabet, Greek, Russian, any other language using the Cyrillic alphabet, Hebrew, any other language using the Hebrew alphabet, any other language.

Replace symbols or other matter that cannot be reproduced by the facilities available with a cataloguer's description in square brackets. Make an explanatory note if necessary.

In general, give interpolations into these areas in the language and script of the other data in the area. Exceptions to this are:

a) prescribed interpolations and abbreviations
b) general material designations
c) other forms of the place of publication
d) statements of the function of the publisher, producer, distributor, broadcaster, etc.

If other data is Romanised, give interpolations according to the same Romanisation.

Give all elements in the other areas (other than the titles and quotations in notes) in the language and script of the cataloguing agency.

0.F. Inaccuracies

Varied from ISBD (NBM) 0.10
Varied from AACR2 1.0F1

See also: 9.0.B.2 If the written information in the sources of information is misspelt or inaccurate, supply the correct spelling or accurate word, and give a note indicating that the error has been corrected.Title: Greek salad
Note: The item incorrectly states: Greek salad

Based on ISBD (NBM) 0.10
Based on AACR2 1.0F1
Alternatively, in an area where transcription from the sources of information is required, transcribe the inaccuracy or misspelled word as it appears in the item . Follow such an inaccuracy either by [sic] or by i.e. and the correction within square brackets. Supply a missing letter or letters in square brackets.

Some of me pomes [sic] / by Pam Ayers

The Paul Anthony Buck [i.e. Brick] lectures

What your child really wants to know about sex and why / by Will[i]am A. Block

0.G. Accents and other diacritical marks

AACR2 1.0G1Add accents and other diacritical marks that are not present in the data found in the source of information in accordance with the usage of the language used in the context.

0.H. Capitalisation

Extrapolated from AACR2, Appendix A
Based on ISBD (NBM) 0.8

These rules and their examples follow capitalisation standards from the ISBD (NBM), and Appendix A in the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules. - 2nd ed. That is, to capitalise the first letter of the first word in an area, sentence, of a parallel, alternative or section title, and of the first letter of proper nouns and additional words according to the appropriate usage in the language in which the material is catalogued.

Extracted from FIAF 0.7 Alternatively, archives or cataloguing agencies may choose to follow any established standard rules for capitalisation.

0.I. Examples

Extracted from AACR2 0.14
Based on ISBD (NBM) 0.9
The examples used throughout these rules are illustrative and not prescriptive. That is, they illuminate the provisions of the rule to which they are attached, rather than extend those provisions. Most examples are based on the description of existing items, but some fictitious examples have been included.

The terms, words or short phrases added to examples are in English in The IASA Cataloguing Rules. However, it is anticipated that when these rules are applied, these terms, words and short phrases will be given in the official language of the archive or cataloguing agency.

0.J. Abbreviations

Abbreviations used are those prescribed in Appendix B of the Anglo-American Cataloguing Rules. - 2nd ed., and for playback speeds given in metric terms, from the Association for Recorded Sound Collections - Associated Audio Archives, Rules for Archival Cataloging of Sound Recordings.

0.K. Alternatives and options

Developed from AACR2 0.7Some rules are designated as alternative rules or as optional additions and some other rules or parts of rules are introduced by Optionally.

Rules or parts of rules flagged by the word Alternatively, acknowledge that different solutions to a problem, and differing levels of detail and specificity are appropriate in different contexts.

Rules or parts of rules flagged by the word Optionally indicate an optional addition or rule which may be applied to further enhance or clarify mandatory information.

Similar concepts may appear to be covered in more than one place in these rules. This is to provide the greatest level of flexibility for choosing appropriate policies, practices and procedures by archives and cataloguing agencies for similar or related information, in more than one possible area. For instance, some notes in Area 7 dealing with physical description, condition, conservation and preservation treatment, sound quality, copy being described, source of the material, would apply in the body of the cataloguing record if only one item or copy is described in each cataloguing record, while this information may be better handled according to Chapter 10 where more than one copy is held.

It is the archive's or cataloguing agency's choice to decide which alternatives and options to apply as policy, and which other alternatives or options to apply on a case by case basis.