02. Blanks (hashes) “with a meaning” in MARC coded data fields 007
Blanks (hashes) have a “meaning” in MARC field 007 - Physical Description Fixed Field - sometimes. So, a blank (hash) doesn't always mean "undefined", "unknown", or "unspecified"!
The following table gives an overview on the blanks (hashes) “with a meaning”. This is very important to be aware of when data is imported, exported, or converted.
Especially when data is delivered by a library which has no "MARC 21 background" as far it applies the format of the records, and the format of that library has no fields like Leader or coded data like field 008, then the delivered fields like 008 have been generated automatically probably without checking the values with the "items in hand". This implies that the blanks (hashes) "with a meaning" mean in fact "No attempt to code". Then, the decision can be taken - in cooperation with the library - to remove those blanks (hashes) from the records.
| Materials | Position tag 007 | Description of position(s) | Description of blank(s) / hash(es) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electronic Resource | 05 | Sound | No sound (silent) |
| Tactile Material | 03-04 | Class of braille writing | No specified class of braille writing |
| 06-08 | Braille music format | No specified braille music format | |
| Projected Graphic | 05 | Sound on medium or separate | No sound (silent) |
| 06 | Medium for sound | No sound (silent) | |
| 08 | Secondary support material | No secondary support | |
| Nonprojected Graphic | 05 | Secondary support material | No secondary support |
| Motion Picture | 05 | Sound on medium or separate | No sound (silent) |
| 06 | Medium for sound | No sound (silent) | |
| Videorecording | 05 | Sound on medium or separate | No sound (silent) |
| 06 | Medium for sound | No sound (silent) |