Music Library Association Best Practices for encoding format

Routinely record the element for tangible digital audio and video carriers if readily ascertainable.

Do not record the element for remote access resources cataloged according to provider-neutral standards. For additional guidance and examples refer to MLA RDA Metadata Guidance under Format-Specific Guidance.

Record the element if feasible for carriers treated as accompanying material as well as primary content. For additional guidance and examples refer to Supplements to Best Practices for Music Cataloging Using RDA and MARC21 Supplement 1: Guidelines for Describing and Encoding Attributes of Audio Recording Carriers.

In MARC: Record as a structured or unstructured description using field 347 subfield $b. If deemed useful for identification or selection,

See examples in MARC format: digital file characteristic (and narrower elements)

Apply the option if no suitable controlled term is available.

Apply the option. Prefer terms from the Library of Congress Encoding Format vocabulary encoding scheme.

In MARC: Do not apply the option until a MARC source code has been assigned to the chosen vocabulary encoding scheme.