Music Library Association Best Practices for format of notated music

Routinely record the element.

In MARC: Record as a structured description using field 348 subfield $a. Provide additional clarifying information as an unstructured description in field 500 if deemed useful for identification or selection. Record as an identifier using field 008 bytes 20-21 or 006 bytes 03-04.

Apply the option if no appropriate controlled term exists.

Apply the option if deemed useful for identification or access.

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

Apply the option as a last recourse.

In MARC: Generally do not apply the option unless directed by local policy.

In MARC: Generally do not apply the option in field 348 unless directed by local policy.

In field 008 or 006, use only the following MARC values:

• b - Full score, miniature or study size
• c - Accompaniment reduced for keyboard [instrumental music only; use value h for chorus scores, k for vocal scores]
• h - Chorus score
• i - Condensed score [use this value for close scores]
• j - Performer-conductor part [use this value for piano conductor parts, etc.]
• k - Vocal score [use value h for chorus scores]
• l - Score
• m - Multiple score formats
• u - Unknown
• z - Other [use this value for choir books, parts, piano scores, and table books]

In MARC: Generally do not apply the option unless directed by local policy.