Profile Guide Step 2.3

Step 2.3 Question

Leader & Fixed Field Updates

MARS 2.0 Update processing provides a variety of updates and corrections to values in the Leader and fixed fields (006, 007, 008). Indicate whether or not to perform Leader & Fixed Field updates.

You may also elect to modify the standard fixed field updates by making a copy of the fixed field update chart, describing desired changes and returning a copy of the edited chart with your profiles.

Fixed Field Updates Changes to MARC21 replaced many fixed field values or made them obsolete. In the leader, for example, the value p designating a “Record in partial ISBD form” in byte 18, Descriptive Cataloging Form, was made obsolete in 1987 and is now coded using value I (ISBD). MARS 2.0 Update converts an h value in Leader byte 18 to i.

Bytes 18 (Frequency) and 19 (Regularity) in the 008 fixed field for Computer files/Electronic resources format materials were made obsolete in 1995. Additionally, 008 bytes 18-19 are undefined (should not be used) for Mixed materials format. The MARS 2.0 Update software, therefore, converts any values in 008 bytes 18-19 to blanks for Computer files/Electronic resources and Mixed materials records.

MARS 2.0 Leader & Fixed Field Updates Table In the following table, byte position is counted with the first byte being “00” (zero) to be consistent with MARC21 Bibliographic Format documentation. The table uses the following symbols:
# = blank space
| = fill character

Format codes are as follows:
     BK = Books
     CF = Computer files/Electronic resources
     MP = Maps
     MU = Music
     CR = Continuing resources (serials, etc.)
     VM = Visual materials
     MX = Mixed materials (includes obsolete Archival and Manuscripts control)