Music Library Association Best Practices for medium of performance of musical content

Routinely record the element in bibliographic records if readily ascertainable, even if medium of performance information is stated or implied in an access point or descriptive element. For detailed guidance and examples refer to Best Practices for Using LCMPT .

In MARC: For bibliographic records: Record as a structured description using field 382 first indicator 0 or 1, only for the particular expression(s) manifested in the resource. Refer to Best Practices for Using LCMPT for guidance. Provide additional clarifying information as an unstructured description in field 500 if deemed useful for identification or selection.

Apply the option when the medium of performance is not adequately described by the title or by using controlled vocabularies. Potential applications include, but are not limited to:

• Specific choral parts (e.g., SATB)
• Key and/or range of specific instruments
• The original medium of a work of which an arrangement is being cataloged
• Presence or absence of figured bass and realization of a continuo part

"Hybrid" notes may be constructed stating both medium of performance and genre/form, especially for aggregates that compile diverse works that can thus be described more concisely than by giving the elements separately.

In MARC: brief qualfiers to controlled terms (instrument key, choral parts, etc.) may be recorded in field 382 subfield $v.

In MARC: If recording a term from the recommended vocabulary encoding scheme, indicate the source of information using the $2 code lcmpt.

Cataloger's judgment.

In MARC: If an appropriate more general term is available in LCMPT, a more specific uncontrolled term may be recorded in field 382 subfield $v following the general term.

Do not apply the option. Exception: Consider the term continuo to be uncountable and do not record a number associated with it. See Best Practices for Using LCMPT for details.

In MARC: Record number of hands in field 382 subfield $v.

In MARC: Record number of hands in field 382 subfield $v.

Do not apply the option. Exception: Consider the term continuo to be uncountable and do not record a number associated with it. See Best Practices for Using LCMPT for details.

In MARC: Generally do not apply the option using field 048 in new records unless directed by local policy. In existing records, generally do not update field 048 unless directed by local policy.